
^ 






I 

THE 

HISTORY 

OF THE 

Ancient Borough of "Wont eft act, 

CONTAINING AN INTERESTING 

ACCOUNT OF ITS CASTLE, 

AND 

THE THRE r ." DIFFERENT SIEGES IT SUSTAINED, DURING THE CIVIL WAR, 

WITH 

NOTES AND PEDIGREES, 

OF SOME OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED 

ROYALISTS AND PARLIAMENTARIANS, 

CHIEFLY DRAWN FROM MANUSCRIPTS NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED, 



BY B. BOOTHROYD. 



' I love Porrifret. Why ? 'Tis in all our histories: 
They are full of Pomfret Castle." 

SWIFT. 



$ontefract: 



PRINTED BY AND FOR THE AUTHOR, AND FOR J. FOX; 
AND SOLD BY LONGMAN & CO. PATERNOSTER-ROW, B. CROSBY & CO. 
STATIONERS-COURT, LONDON; J. HEATON, LEEDS; J. HURST, WAKE- 
FIELD; Wtl.SON & CO. AND TODD & CO. YORK; SHEARDOWN, 
DONCASTER; AND MAY BE HAD OF OTHER BOOKSELLERS. 

1807. 



/ 



SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 



Hi 



*U- 






J. ALLOTT, Esq. Hague Hall 

G. Alderson, Esq. Ferrybridge 

J. W. Astley, Esq. Duckenfield Lodge, 

Lancashire 
Michael Ann, Esq. Burghwallis 
Mr. J. Arton, Pontefractj 
J. Ankin, ditto 
R. Arton, ditto 
J. Addingley, ditto 
G. Appleby, ditto 
J. Ash, ditto 
J. Ashton, ditto 
G. Atley, ditto 
W. Archer, ditto 
W Atkinson, ditto 
.c. Airey, ditto 
r Atkinson, ditto 
Atkinson, ditto 
Anderson, ditto 
Allen, Church Fenton 
j. . Anderson, Ledstone 
G. Althass, Brothertoa 
Ash, Masbro' 

W. Ashton, Purston Jackling 
J. Atkinson, ditto 
B. Atkinson, Knottingley 
Robert Atkinson, Womersley 
J. Acaster, Brotherton 
Rev. J. Acaster, York 
Mr. J. Aislebie, Ferrybridge 

Arnald, ditto 
Rev. G. Alderson, Birkin 
Mr. D. Askam, Knottingley 
Acornby, ditto, 
B 
T. D. Bland, Esq. Kippax Park 
R. H. Beaumont, Esq. Whitley-Hall, 

2 copies 
T. Beever, Esq. Queen's College, Cam- 
bridge, 
G. Brookes, Esq. Twickenham 



J.Brookes, Esq. London 

T. Baxter, Esq. London, 2 copies 

Mr. T. Barker, Pontefract 

VV. Barker, ditto 

T. Barker, ditto 

VV. Bell, ditto 
Miss Benson, ditto 
Mr. W Briggs, ditto 
W. Brook, ditto 
T. Belk, Esq. ditto 
Mr. J. Brice, ditto 

J. Burton, ditto 
Mrs. Beckett, ditto 
Miss S. L. Booth, ditto 
Mrs. Barnfather, ditto 
Mr. G. Birkinshaw, ditto 
Mrs. B. Brown, ditto 
Mr. T. Berkby, ditto 
Mr. R. Beaumont, ditto 
Rev. J. Bindloss, ditto 
Mr. R. Brown, ditto 

M. Beaumont, ditto 

B. Brown, ditto 

J. Berry, ditto 

W. Beaidshaw, ditto 

W Bonner, ditto 

Thos. Barton, ditto 

Burton, ditto 

J. Berry, Jun. ditto 

Thomas Brewer, ditto 

G. Ben net, ditto 
Miss Bennet, ditto 
Mr. S. Boys, ditto 

Briggs, Brampton 

Brown, London 

T. Brindle, Oldham 

Boothby, Doncaster 
Mrs. Brookes, Bedale 
Mr. W. Burton, Pool 

Birks, Carleton 

W. Brown, Purston 

E. 3ain.es, Leeds 



IV 



SUBSCRIBERS 5 NAMES. 



Rev. ■ — - Braken, D. D. Snauh 
Mr. G. Rurley, Sherbum 
Rev. J. Bailey, Knottingley 
Mr. Thomas Braim, ditto 

J. Brooke, Kippax 
E. Brook, Coroner, Wakefield 
Mr. Booth, Wragby 

W. Beevor, Claypoole 
Mrs. Brooke, Grange 
Miss Brooke, ditto 
Mr. T. Berry, London 

C 
C. Crowle. Esq Curzon St. London 
J. Cooke, Esq. Camps Mount 
Nich. Carlisle, Esq. London 
J. Clayton, Esq. Kippax 
A Carr, Esq. Rotherham 
J. Crowder, Esq. Brotherton 
Serjeant Cockell, Pontefract 
Mr. J. Cartner, ditto 
J. Coleman, Attor. ditto, 2 eopiei 
Mrs. Collier, ditto 
Mr. Ci ibbs, ditto 

Thomas Chapman, ditto 
J. Craggs, ditto 
J. Carr, ditto 
J. Calvert, ditto 
Castkhouse, West Hardwick 
J. Cockhill, Altoss 
T. Casson, Minsthorp 
E. Coaies, Rippon 
R. Coulsun, 
Rev. R. Crowther, -Smitheles 
J. Clarke, Attorney, Barnsley 
Mr. Carter, Ferry bridge 

W. Cambidge, Knottingley 
M. Carter, ditto 
J. Cawthorn, ditto 
J, Collinson. Hook 
G, Collinson, London 
T. Croyzer, Sakmarsh 
Mr. Cuttle, Wakefield 
Mrs. Chapman, Burton 
Mr. Cuttle, Wakefield 

T Chamberlain, Carleton, Craven 
W. Clay, Manchester 
D 
Rev. F. Drake, Walkington 
Mrs. F. Drake, ditto 
R. Drake, Esq. York 
N. Drake, M. D. Hadleigh 



Mrs. Drake, Lincoln 
Dr. Drummond, Hadleigh 
D. Dunderdale, Esq. Dunford House- 
Mr. T. Dickenson, Pontefract 
J. Dibb, ditto 
J. Daniel, dttto 
P. Dunhill, ditto 
J- Dennison, ditto 
J. Dickenson, ditto 
T. Dunhill, Pontefract 
H. Dunhill, ditto 
R. Dickon, ditto 
M'Dowell, ditto 
Miss Dove, ditto 
Mr. J. Day, ditto 

W. Day, Tyers Hill 
R. DuflEn, Hemsworth 
Mr. Dickon, Kellington 
Rev, R. Dyneley, Bui ley Lodge 
Mr. B. Denis, Cork 
E 
Right Hon. Earl of Euston, 
Francis Edmunds, Esq. Worsborough 
Mrs Ellison, Pontefract 
Mr. J. Elliot, ditto 

J. England, ditto 
G. England, ditto 
W. Edmondson, Lancaster 
D. Emmerson, Upton 
W. Earnshaw, Roal 
J. England, Knottingley 
Erringlon, Grove 
J. Eatnshaw, Knottingley 
G. Earnshaw, Hull 
Ellerton, Surgeon, Kippax 
H. Eccles, Beverley 
F 
Rt, Hon. Earl Fitzwilliam, Wentworth- 

House 
Bacon Frank, Esq. Campsall 
T. Foljambe, Esq. Wakefield 
J. Flintoff, Esq. Leeds 
N. Fowler, Esq, Pontefract 
Major Fox, ditto 
Mr. F. Fisher, ditto 
F. Fryer,. ditto 
R. Foss, ditto 
J. Faint, ditto 
J. Fryer, ditto 
W. Fryer, ditto 
Foster, ditto 



subscribers' names. 



Mr. J. Fisher, Pontefract 

J. Fox, Heindly 
Rev. W.Faber, D irrington 
Mr. J. Fletcher, Witwood 
Farrar, 

R. Freer, Knottingley 
T. FarnhiU, ditto 
Miss Firth, Gainsbro* 
Mrs.Fowles, London 

G 
Right. Hon. Viscount Gallway, Serlby, 

6 copies 
i T. H. Granger, Esq. Leeds 
J. H. Gillet, Esq. Lincoln's Inn, Lorw 
Mr. W. Gelder, Ponttfract 

Gil), ditto 
Mrs. Gunning, ditto 
Mr. Gowthorp, Wakefield 
C. Green, Holmfiith 
J. Gill, Ackworth 
J. Gouthwaite, Fairburn 
W. K. Gowthorp, Wakefield 
J. Ganett, Fenybr dge 
E. Gaggs, Knottingley 
Gill, ditto 

J. Garlick, Saltmarsh 
B. Guy, London 
T. Graham, Djncaster 
H 
Right Hon. Lord Hawke, "Womers'ey 
Hon. Martin Bladen Hawke, Towton 
J. P. Heywood, Esq. Wakefield 
J. Hepworth, Esq. Rogerthorp 
J. Hill, Esq. Knowsthorp 
E. L. Hodgson, Esq. Siapleton 
W. Hutton, Esq. Gate Button, Gainsbro' 
B. Heywood, Esq. Stanley Hall 
Mr. Hawcroft, Puntelract 
R. Hepworth, Esq. ditto 
John Haxby, M D. ditto 
Mr. S. Hurst, ditto 
J. Hiniby, ditto 
B. Hick, ditto 
T. Hestletine, ditto 
Rev. T. Heron, dittto 

J Hurst, ditto 
Mr. B. Hupp, ditto 

T. Hi^gins, ditto 
R Horncastle, Esq. ditto 
Mr. T. Hall, ditto 

W. Hutchinson, ditto 



Mr. F. C. Halley, Pontefract 
E. Hattcrsley, ditto 
Darley Hemsworth, ditto 
Mrs. S. Hawksworlh, ditto 
Mr. J. Horner, ditto 
C. Haigh, ditto 
J, Hunt. di:to 
T.Hawksworth, ditto 
T. Haigh, ditto 
M. Hutchinson, ditto 
W. Hunt, ditto 
G. Hopkinson, ditto 
B.Hartley, ditto 
W. Hestletine, ditto 
George Hesletine, ditto 
B. Huntei, ditto 
R. Hail, ditto 
W. Holme, ditto 
H. Haigh, ditto 
S. Hurst, ditto 
Rev. E. Howard, ditto 
Mrs. Hanks, Tanshelf 

Heptinstall ditto 2 copies 
Mr. Hey, Cridling Park 

J. Hardcastle, Knottingley 
J. Hoy land, ditto 
Rev, W. R. Hay, Ackworth 
Mr. W. Hurst, Stubbs 

Harrop, Featherston 
R. Hurst Esq. Mirfield 
Mr. F. Hurst, Bentley 

T. Hobson, Brotherton 
Hunter, Leeds 
W. Hick, Micklefield 
W. Horncastle, Esq. Tanshelf 
Mr. W, Harrison, Scarthingwell 
G Hurst, Rotherham 
Heslop, Rippon 
J. Henderson, Darrington 
J.Hutchinson, Wakefield 
Rev. T. Hale, Heckmondwike 
Mr. J. Hall, Ferrybridge 
G. Hurst, Thirsk 
W Hardy, Knottingley 
H. Holmes, Leeds 
W. Hayley, Castleford 
Hextell, Byram 
Halliley, Lumby 
G. Hedley, Gainsbro* 
Hodgson, Wakefield 
J.Hill, Malton 



fi 



SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES 



Mr. G. Haltey, Rotherbam 
R. Hides, Sheffield 
I 
Sir John Ingleby, Bart. Ripley 
Mis. Ince, Pontefract 
Rev. C. Isherwood, Brotherton 

J 

Mr. S. Jackson, Pontefract 

H. Jackson, ditto 
J. Jefferson, l/t. D. ditto 
Mr. J. Johnson, ditto 

Joseph Johnson, Jun. ditto 
W. Johnson, ditto 

Edmund Johnson ditto 

John Johnson, Newcastle 
J. Jackson, Esq. Doncaster 
Mr. W. Jameson, York 
S. Jackson, Esq. Providence Green 
B. Jowitt, Esq. Carleton 
Mr. T. Jackson, Bruthetton 

T. Jackson, Knottingley 

Jowitt, Park 
Mrs. Jennings, Sheffield 

K 
Mr. J. Knowles, Pontefract 

S. Kidd, ditto 
Mrs. Knowles, ditto 
Mr. Knapton, ditto 

M. Kay, ditto 
Rev. G. Kelly, Featherston 
Mr. G. Keir, Attorney, Barnsley 

J. Knutton, Knottingley 

J. Keathly, Cliff 

G. Kendall, ditto 

J. Kershaw, Wakefield 
L 
Rt. Hon. Lord Lowther, Westmoreland 

3 copies 
W. Leatham, Esq. Pontefract 
J. Leatham, Esq. ditto 2 copies 
Mr. T. Lea, ditto 

W. Lodge, ditto 

R. Lindley, ditto 

G. Linton, ditto 
Rev. J. Lowe, Wentworth 
Mr. Liversiege, Minsthorp 

J. Longwood, Knottingley 

Long, Birkin 

W. Long, Leeds 

Lane, Minerva Office, London 

W. B. Legg, Ackworlh 

Long, Methley 



Mr. E. Lowe, Sheffield 
Lindley, London 
G. Long, 
Mrs. Leatham, Featherston 
Mr. R, Long, Knottingley 
D. Lindsay* Ackworth 
G. Littlewood, Sheffield 
Loyd, Tewkesbury 
M 
Rt. Hon. Earl of Mexborough, Methley, 

2 copies 
Countess of Mexborough, 2 copies 
Rev. R. Markham, Aichdeacon of York 
Rt. Hon. Lord Milton, Peterborough 
R. P. Milnes, M. P. Fryston 
Mrs. Milnes, ditto 
Sir W, Milner, Bart, Nun Appleton 
W. H. Marsden, Esq. Burntwood Lodge 
Capt. Montague, Royal Dragoons, 2 

copies 
J. Milnes, Esq. Wakefield 
F. Maud, Esq. ditto 
Mr. Morvill, ditto 
J. Marshall, Esq. Pontefract 
R. Medley, Esq. ditto 
Mr. F. Moody, ditto 
Moorhouse, ditto 
H. Mason, ditto 
J. Muncaster. ditto 
Mrs. Marshall, ditto 
Mr. T. Martin, ditto 
W. Moody, ditto 
J. Morley, ditto 
T. Moor, ditto 
D. Morley, ditto 
Miss S. Morley, ditto 
Mr. J. Mountain, ditto 
S. Moore, ditto 
A. Moody, ditto. 
M. Mitton, Attorney, ditto 
J. Moody, ditto 
Mrs. J. Mountain, ditto 
Mr. Maykin, Leeds 
J. Moate, Fenwick 
J.. Maude, Purston Jack lint 
Miss Mann, Fryston 
R. Mitton, Esq. Hardwick 
Mr. B. Moorhouse, Knottingley 
Maude, Beale 

J. Muscroft, Surgeon, Kippax 
Mabson, Birmingham 
J. Morley, Esq. Beamsley Hall 



SUBSCRIBERS 7 NAMES. 



Til 



• • N 
Neville, Esq. Badsworth, 



M. J. Nettleton, Pontefract 

Nelsthorp, Ackworth 

G. Nay lor, Purston 

Tho. Nicholas, London 
O 
Rev Mr. Ogle, Castleford 
C. Oates, Esq. Sheffield 
Mr. T. Oxley, Surgeon, Pontefract 

S, Oxley, ditto 

C. Oldridge, ditto 

B. Oxley, ditto 

Malen Oxley, ditto 

J. Orde, Knottingley 

J. Oates, Wragby 
P 
Sir Tho. Pilkington, Bart. Chevet 
\V. Pilkington, Esq. ditto 
J. Pocklington, Esq, Muskham House, 
Nottinghamshire 

Pocklington, Esq. ditto 

W. Payne, Esq. Frickley 
G. Perfect, Esq. Thorp-Arch 
G. Pyemont, Esq. Tanshelf 
W. Perfect, Esq. Pontefract 
Mrs. Perfect, d tto 
Mr. J. Purslove, ditto 

A. Palfryman, ditto 
J. Petty, ditto 

J. Pease, ditto 

J. Patrick, ditto 
J. Perfect Esq ditto 
Mr. W. Popplewell, ditto 

Prince, ditto 

J. Pottage, ditto 

R. Petty, ditto 
Miss G. Pottage, ditto 
Mr. Price, Camblesforth 

Phn>h,. Leeds 

J. Preston, Brotherton 

Rev. Paddy, Kellington 

Mr. Pye, 

Poskitt, Kellington 
Rev. E. Parsons, Leeds 
Rev. T. S. Parris, Burghwallis 
Mr. Pollhill, ditto 

R. Proudfoot, London, 2 copies 

Pinder, Methley 

J. Prince, Castleford 

B. Pickhard, Houghton 



Mr. Pelyt, .London 
Rev. Maurice Philips, Masbro' 
Mr. J. Parker, Attorney,. Sheffield 
W. Priestly, Ouseleet 
R 
Mr. J. Robertshaw, Pontefract 
J. Ray, ditto 
Hurst Rhodes, ditto 
J. Reynolds, ditto 
D. Rideal, ditto 
T. Roberts, Jun. ditto 
J. Rayner, ditto 
R. Roebuck, ditto 
W. Richardson, ditto 
T. Ramsden, Jun. ditto 
J Robinson, ditto 
J Reynolds, ditto 
Mrs. A Rusby, ditto 
Mr. T. Roberts, York 
Rev. W. Richardson, Hardwick 
Mr. B. Rowley, Smeaton 
Miss Rawson, Leeds 
Miss L. Rawson, ditto 
Mr. C. Rudd. Rochdale 
R. Robinson, York 
S. Rusby, Ferrybridge 
R. Redfearn, Knottingley 
Redman, ditto 
W. Roberts, 

W. Robinson, Jun. Wakefield 
J. Rhodes, Micklefield 
R. Rhodes, Knottingley 
W Rhodes, Epworth, Lincolns. 
Miss Ryley, Wakefield 

S 
Rt. Hon. J. Smyth, Heath, 2 copies 
J. H. Smyth, E q ditto 
W. Smithson. Esq ditto 
Sir Edward Smith, Bart. Newland 
Walter Spencer Stanhope, Esq. Canon 

Hall 
Mr. Steevens, Cleobury 
Mrs. Sykes, Worsborough 
J. Stocks, Esq. Kinsley 
Mr. M. Shilito, Pulsion Jackling 
Mrs. Sunderland, Pontefract 
Miss Shilito, ditto, 4 copies 
Mr. Shirtcliff, ditto 
Spurr, ditto 
J. Standish, ditto 
D. Senior, ditto 



V1U 



subscribers' names. 



Mr. W. Stewart, Pontefract 

W. Smith, ditto 

R. Sadler, ditto 
Smith, ditto 
J. Seaton, Esq. ditto, 2 copies 
J. Fox Seaton, Esq. ditto 
R. Seaton, Esq. ditto 
Mi. J Shirtcliff, ditto 

W. Shepheid, ditto 

Stringer, ditto 

A. Sadler, ditto 
J. Scholey, ditto 
J. Seeker, di:to 
J. Shepherd, ditto 

T. Shuttieworth, Esq. ditto 
Mr. T. Sherwin, ditto 
R. Smvth : Esq. ditto 
Mr. T. Shencliffe, ditto 

T. Summerlon, ditto 

R. Smith, ditto 

J. Swallow, ditto 

W. Silverwood, ditto 

T- Scholey, ditto 

B. Shepherd, ditto 
W. Sharp, Knottingley 
J. Sharp, ditto 

S. Smith, Esq. Hambleton 
Mr. T- Stackhouse, Ack worth 

Sleddle, Carleton 
Mrs. Simpson, Fairburn 
Miss Simpson, ditto 
Mr. J. Sams, Ackworth 
T. Sayle, Egq, Wentbridge 
M. Shencliffe, Merchant, Leeds 
"W. Swainson, Esq. Halifax 
J. Smith.spn, Esq. Rothwel), 2 copies 
W. Sot heron, Esq. Darrington 
Rev. W. Smith, Haxton 
Mr. T. Smith, Sheffield 

W. Smith, Brotherton, 4 copies 
Mrs. Ann Spooner, Ackworth 
0. C. Seaton, Esq. Huddersfield 
A. Surtees, Esq. Ackworth 
Mr. Sanderson, Milford 
J. Shore, Esq. Loscoe Grange 
Mr. M. Saul, Knottingley 
J. Stacey, ditto 
W. Sutcliff, Brothefton 
Sampson, London 
T. Shay, Castleford, 
Miss Sayle, Wentbridge 



Mr. J. Scholey, Wakefield 

W. Shipton, Green Hammeiton 
J. Smith Holbeck 
W. Simpson, Darrington 
T. Smithies, Knottingley 
J. Simpson, Newton 
Spink, North Elmsall 
T. Scholefield, Sheffield 
T 
T. Taylor, Esq Pontefract 
W. Townend, Esq. ditto 
T. W. Tew, Esq. (itto 
E. Trueman, Esq. ditto 
Mr. H. Towns, Attorney, ditto 
T. Tw aits, ditto 
T. Thompson, ditto t 
Mis. Torre, ditto 
Mr. P. Taylor, ditto 

T. Thompson, ditto 
Mrs. Townend ditto 
Mr. J. Tute, ditto 

J. Tattersall, ditto 
J. Thompson, ditto 
C. Thomas, ditto 
W Thistlehuaite, ditto 
H. Teal ditto 
W. Towndrow, ditto 
W. Thompson, ditto 
T. Taylor. Tan shelf 
Mrs. Turner, Eugden 
T. W. Tottie, Esq. Leeds 
Mr. x'ownend, Womersley Grove 
C. Tibbits, Esq Barton Seagrave 
M. J Taylor, Scarbro' 2 copies 
Rev. H. Torre, Sr.ydaH 
W. Thompson. Esq. Ferrybridge 
Mr. J. Tunon, Ackworth 
A. Tree, Knottingley 
Rich. Thompson, Ferrybridge 
J. Thorp, North Elmsall 
R. Thornton, Methley 
V 
Rev. W. Vint, -Idle 
Mr. R. Vaux, Pontefract 
Vaux, Whitley 
Vaux, Knottingley 
W 
Sir Edmund Mark Winn, Bart. Ackton 

D. Wilson, Esq. Dallam Tower, Westm. 
Lady Wood, Hems worth 

E. Wright, Esq. Walton 



SUBSCRIBERS 7 NAMES. 



IX 



P. Wilson, Esq. Methley 

J. Watson, Esq. Havercroft 

T. Wormald, Esq. Leeds 

Valentine Whitwill, Esq. ditto 

Mrs. Wilson, Elmsall Lodge 

Col. Wade, Altofts 

Rev. J. Woodruw, Ashton, Lancashire 

Dr. Walker, Leeds 

R. Wilkinson, York. 

Mr. Woodcock, Surgeon, Hemsworth 

E. Williams, D. D. Masborough 

Capt. Wi'son. Queen's Royal Reg. 

Mrs. Wade, Pontefract 

Mr. S. Wade, dittto 

T. Wade, ditto 

Walton, ditto 
J. Willott, Esq. ditto 
Mrs. Whiteford, ditto 
Mr. S. Wainwright, Surgeon, ditto 
Whitaker. ditto 

T. Wilson, Pontefract 
Mrs. A. Wade ditto 
Mr. R. Walker, ditto 

B. Wright, Jun. ditto 

W. Wood, ditto 

B. Wright, ditto 

J. Ward, ditto 

T. Waishaw, ditto 

T. Ward, ditto 

A. Waine, ditto 

J. Wilson, ditto 

T. Whitaker, ditto 



General Waide, Lofthouse 

Mr. Wigham, Pontefract 
Ward, ditto 
R. Wilcock, ditto 
J. Wadsworth, ditto 

Mrs. Wilson, Sherburn 

Mr. R. Wilkinson, Ackworth 
G, Wornack, Knottingley 
Wade, Hesle 
T. Wadsworth, Methley 
Wilks, Brotherton 
Workman, Ouston 
A. Wade, Ackworth 

Mrs. W. Westwood, 

Mi. White, Sutton 

W. Wilson, Sheffield 
Webster, Methley 
T. Wheator, Hensall 
Wyley, Selby 
J. Wroe, Ferrybridge 
R. Whitaker, Ackworth 
R. West Knottingley 
Wilson, ditto 
Whitelock, Brotherton 
T. Whigglesworth 
J, Williamson 
T. Wilson, Thornhill 
R. Winn, Ulleskelf 

Mrs. Ward, Sheffield 
Y 

Mr. Yeamans, Wakefield 
W. Yates, Paik 



Subscribers' Names omitted in the aforegoing List, 



Mr. A. Beaumont, Smeaton 

W. Brown, Lofthouse 

Blakey, Pontefract 

D. Bulgraddery, Cork 
Rev. Rob. Croft, Rowley 
Mrs. Colley, Tanshelf 
Mr. J. Collinson, Kiplin 

Gudfrey, Snydall 

W. Goodville, Pontefract 
Mrs. Heptinstall, ditto 
Mr. Horsefall, Barnsley 

R. Hopp. Pontefract 

W. Horner, ditto 

J. Hesleiine, ditto 

G. Haigh, ditto 

R. P. Hawkesworth, ditto 

Hill, Leeds 

Hill, Brotherton 



Mr. Hartley, Wakefield 
W. Jubb, Brookman 
T. Jones, ditto 
M. Lee, Grove 
Liversiege, Brotherton 
Lee, Knottingley 

Mrs. E. Lindley, Allerton Bywater 

Mr. Marshall, Britton 

W. Moor, Knottingley 
J. Martin, Wood Mills 
W. Petty, Pontefract 
W. Pilkington, ditto 
W. Richardson, Micklefield 
J. Redfearn, Knottingley 
W. Robinson, Swinefleet 
J. Thorp, Womersley 
Thomas, Sheffield 
J. Twibell, Badsworsh 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

INTRODUCTION, ------ l 

SECTION I. 

On the State of the Place during the Dominion of the 

Romans, »_-.---5 

SECT. II. 
On the Saxon Period, and the Introduction of Chris- 
tianity, - - - - -- -19 

SECT. III. 
Inquiry into the Constitution and Privileges of the 

Borough under the Saxons, - • - - - 36 
SECT. IV. 
The Norman Conquest, and the changes it produced, 46 

SECT. V. 
On the modern Name of this Borough, and the building 

of the Castle, ___--- 53 

SECT. VI. 
The History and Pedigree of the Lacies, - - 60 

SECT. VII. 
Inquiry into the Conduct and Character of Thomas 
Earl of Lancaster, - - - - -84 

SECT. VIII. 
Historical Events till the Death of Richard II. 99 

SECT. IX. 
Historical Events till the Union of the Houses of Lan- 
caster and Fork, - - - - - -117 

SECT. X. 
Historical Events from the Death of Richard III. till 

the commencement of the Civil War, - - 139 

SECT. XI 
On the Civil War, the state of Parties, and a descrip- 
tion of the Castle in its perfect State, - - 143 



Xll CONTENTS. 

Page 

SECT. XII. 

Events during the First Siege, - - - - 169 

SECT. XIII. 

Events during the Second Siege, - - - - 185 

SECT? XIV. 

Events which followed the surrender of the Castle, the 
manner in which it was surprised, the last Siege, 

and final Demolition, - 249 

PART II. 

Priory of St. John, - - - - - -319 

Dominican Friars, - - - - 333 

Carmelites, - - - - - - - -340 

Austin Friars, - - - - - - -341 

Church of All-Hallows, - - - - - 343 

Church of St. Giles, - - - - - -364 

Chantry of St. Thomas, - - - - -376 

St. Nicholas Hospital, - - -- - -378 

Lazar House, - - - - - - -382 

Jinolles\ or Trinity Hospital and College, - - 383 

Bead House Hospital, - - - - - -392 

Twaite" s Hospital, - - - - - - 393 

Franks Hospital, _«..«-.- 394 

Cowpefs Hospital, - - - - - -397 

Perfects Hospital, - - - - - -228 

Watkhis Hospital, - - - - - -399 

The King ] s Free Grammar School, - - -401 

Charity School, - - - - - - -411 

Talbot s Charity, Sayles Dole, - - - - 414 

Corporations Bequest, - - - - - -418 

Acastefs Bequest, - - - - - - ib„ 

Mrs. Dorothy Frank's Bequest - - - - ib. 

FothergiW s Donation, - - - - - -419 

The Park, * 428 

Stump Cross, - - - - - -441 

Market- Cross, Town-Hall, Theatre, - - - 443 

Ancient Cave, - - - - - - -ib. 

Corporation, - - - - - ' - -445 

Parliamentary History, - - - - - 458 

Religious Sects, and modern State of the Town, 484 

Appendix — Addenda. - - - - - ' - 



PREFACE, 



AGREEMENT in language, community of pri- 
viliges, and a similarity in general habits, form the 
basis of the virtue called patriotism, or the love of 
our country; a virtue which grows with our 
growth, and ripens with our years. The same 
principles which generate the love of our country, 
give every man a peculiar interest in the 
place of his nativity, or in that where he has spent 
the chief part of his life. The former he recollects 
in connection with his boyish sports, and the 
gay and enchanting scenes of his youth, when his 
mind was free from care, and the illusions of fancy 
added charms to every object, and converted the 
world into a paradise ; the latter is impressed on 
his heart by the toils he has endured, the friend- 
ships he has formed, and most probably by those 
tender sympathies and emotions which he feels as 
a husband and a father. The same principles 
which attach us to a particular place,, lead us to 
enquire into its origin, and into the events which 
have occurred respecting it ; and by connecting 
the idea of the place with the events, and disregard- 
ing the time, we feel as if personally interested. 

Topography is founded on the above mentioned 
principles ; and while it gratifies a natural desire, 
it often illustrates and improves general History. 
Every particular town, is a part of a general whole; 
an unit of the aggregate number of which a king- 
dom consists. To describe each separately, and to 
state with precision the most interesting occur- 
rences, must tend to render general History more 
minute and more faithful. 



XIV PREFACE. 

The work now presented to the public, origi- 
nated in the wish of a respectable friend, Richard 
Hepworth, Esq. . who had made a collection of 
such materials towards it as he had met with in the 
course of his reading. These he offered to the Author, 
and generously promised any assistance which it 
was in his power to afford ; and during the pro- 
gress of this work, he has faithfully adhered to his 
engagement. On perusing these materials, the 
Author found that much was yet to be done — 
that beside the task of arranging, diligent research 
was necessary in order to explain and illustrate 
various facts which were only noticed en passant 
by our Historians, He availed himself of all the 
sources of information within his reach ; and in the 
course of his researches, he met with materials far 
beyond what he had expected. 

The most valuable communication the Author 
received from the Rev. F. Drake, Lecturer, of 
Pontefract. This was the ISIS, journal of the siege 
wrote at the time by his ancestor, Captain Drake, 
and which had been carefully preserved in the fa- 
mily. By the aid of this valuable MS. the history 
of the siege is more particular and interesting than 
it could possibly otherwise have been. 

The notes, containing some account of the fa- 
milies of several distinguished persons in the castle, 
aud of some in the army of the Parliament, have 
been derived from Wilson's MS. Pedigrees, in the 
Leeds library, compared with another valuable 
copy in the possession of the Rt. Hon. J. Smyth, 
Heath, near Wakefield. Both these MS. are copies 
from one in the possession of the late Dr. Richard- 
son, of Bierly, near Bradford, collected by Mr. 
Hopkinson, the friend of Dugdale, from the records 
in Pontefract Castle, previous to its demolition. 

The Author has to acknowledge his obligations 
to J. Miines, Esq. for the accurate pedigree of the 



PREFACE. XV 

Pool family, and some other communications. Vv r . 
H. Beaumont, Esq. of Whitley, has honoured the 
Author with some documents respecting his family ; 
and as a gentleman and a scholar, he has disco- 
vered a readiness to impart information from the 
valuable collection of ancient documents in his 
possession, which leads the Author to regret, that 
he had not the happiness of becoming acquainted 
with him, previous to the commencement of his 
work. From a letter of Sir Thomas Beaumont, it 
appears, that the note, page c 2\5, explaining the 
term Snaphances, is not correct as applied to that 
period, whatever it may be as now used among the 
military. Sir Thomas, in a letter dated from Pon- 
tefract, June 7, 1643, answers one he had recei- 
ved — " for the Match you write for, I shall shortly 
send you some ; but I put you in mind once more, 
to use your Snaphance Pieces to keep centery with, 
as that will save our Match " This decides the 
ense of the term as then understood. 

The note in page 284, respecting Lady Saville, 
copied from Kimber's Baronetage, is a misrepre- 
sentation. Sir Thomas Beaumont was the governor 
of the castle, and in the articles of rendition, there 
is one, which respects the safe return of Lady 
Saville, to Thornhill. 

Some persons will probably conceive that this 
work is too much connected with the general 
history of the country. In reply, it may be ob- 
served that every local history must be less or more 
so ; and as such a work will fall into the hands of 
many, whose situation and circumstances preclude 
access to works on general history, it was judged 
advisable to relate the causes of those events 
which more properly belonged to the history of the 
place. 

The history of the priory and religious orders 
might have been rendered more minute, had the 



Xvi PREFACE. 

Author had the opportunity of searching the valu- 
able stores of the Bodleian Library. He found, 
that his materials were as ample as his plan and 
proposals would admit ; and he was under the ne- 
cessity of leaving this to some future historian, 
that he might give an account of the churches, 
charities, &c. within the Borough. 

On the whole, the Author commits this work to 
the public, sensible that further attention and re- 
search might have rendered it more perfect. He has 
had the double task of collecting his materials, and 
of immediately arranging them for the press. 
Hence he has rarely had an opportunity of attend- 
ing to his language, and of giving to it, that polish 
and grace, which would have enlivened the subject, 
and rendered the whole more pleasing and inte- 
resting. He hopes this will disarm critisism of 
her severity, and excite her to practice the virtue 
of forbearance, where she cannot smile with appro- 
bation. 

P, S. Since the history of the siege was printed 
©if, the life of Sir H. Slingsby has been published, 
in Scotland. In this work, some particulars re- 
specting the castle, previous to the battle of Mar- 
ston Moore, are noticed; and a Sir John Red- 
man, is said to have been the governor. A hard 
fought battle is described, between the royalists 
and the parliamentarians, which began at Brother- 
ton, and extended to Berkin. The royalists were 
victorious, but Sir J. Redman soon after died. 
Vid. the Work. 



INTRODUCTION. 



xllSTORY it is generally admitted, is not less 
calculated to afford rational amusement, than to 
impart useful instruction. It collects the experi- 
ence and wisdom of all ages; it records useful dis- 
coveries, and traces the progress of the arts; it 
notices the influence of civil institutions, in forming 
the character and regulating the manners and sen- 
timents of a people; and combining the useful with 
the agreeable, it never fails to please. 

A faithful delineation of the conduct and cha- 
racters of distinguished individuals ; a detail of those 
great events which have contributed in a considerble 
degree, to the greatness and happiness of a people, 
or to their misery and wretchedness, cannot be 
perused without interest. While reading an 
animated description of some rencounter, which 
is to decide the fate of nations, who does not 
feel the oscillations of hope and fear, while the battle 
hangs in suspence ? While contemplating the 
character of those who have ennobled human nature 
by their distinguished virtues, who is not excited, 
at least for the moment, to imitation? Who does 
not wish in whatever situation placed, to dignify 
that situation by the exercise of appropriate virtues* 
It is not possible that all should command armies, 
and by their achievements obtain general renown; 

no. i. B * 



2 INTRODUCTION. 

but it is possible for eacb individual to obtain a 
sufficient portion of fame by a virtuous conduct in 
the station in which he is placed. The examples 
of excellence which history sets before us, in every 
science; in every profession and calling, must have 
a considerable, though it may be an imperceptible 
influence on our conduct and pursuits. These ex- 
amples like the dew on the grass, cherish and invi- 
gorate every virtuous principle. They operate like 
the sun; nor, after ages have elapsed, is their influ- 
ence spent. 

Nor are examples of vice useless. Though 
on many occasions history pourtrays some of 
the worst of our species as prosperous, it tends 
on the whole to establish the maxim, " That the 
prosperity of the wicked shall destroy them." If it 
exhibit the character of a Pharoah or a Nero tram- 
pling for a season on the rights of men; and exulting 
in the misery their own crimes have created ; it also 
shews their end ;— that while one for his obduracy, 
cruelty and oppression, is made an example of 
divine vengeance ; the other is driven from a throne 
on which he was unworthy to sit, and falls a just 
sacrifice to the hatred which his own vices had ex- 
cited. After having erected a palace, covered with 
gold wrung from the people by oppression, and 
coolly observing, " that this was an habitation fit 
for a man to dwell in ;" Nero was forced to fly to 
an homely cottage, and there slain. 

As history shews vice on a throne thus punished; 
it also displays inferior examples equally wretched ; 
and one would hope that such examples cannot but 
afford to mankind the most salutary admonitions. 
In a word, when virtuous characters excite our 
esteem, those of vice must excite our abhorrence. 



INTRODUCTION. 3 

and this abhorrence must become a motive to a 
more amiable and dignified deportment. Ex- 
amples of vice act by a repellant, as those of virtue 
by an attractive influence; and unless a man is 
already decided in his character, and established in 
criminal habits, it may reasonably be expected, that 
such examples will, on the whole, be favourable to 
virtue. 

The influence of civil institutions cannot be 
more clearly displayed than in topographical history. 
As this is confined to a particular district, it is ne- 
cessarily more minute in its details, it marks every 
change in the institutions, the sentiments and man- 
ners of a people; it describes distinguished indivi- 
dual characters, and by being more particular, it 
becomes more influential and interesting. Every 
man is led to reflect that he inhabits the place 
where the most striking events have occurred ; 
where the most noble examples of patriotism, 
valour and prudence, have been exhibited; and he 
is influenced to become equally patriotic, bold and 
daring, prudent and circumspect, with those who 
have been — but alas are no more ! 

Though this place has not been hitherto honored 
by a particular history, it is not owing to any want 
of authentic and interesting materials. Its antiquity, 
the singular events which have occurred; its connec- 
tion with the general history of the kingdom, afford 
ample matter for the historian. To use the lan- 
guage of a late writer, this place is memorable for 
the residence of a proud Norman conqueror — for 
the tragical end of a beloved King — for the noble 
blood which flowed by the hand of the executioner ; 
and for the unshaken loyalty here manifested in the 
defence of that unfortunate monarch Charles the first, 



THE 



HISTORY 



PONTEFRACTo 



SECTION I. 

On the state of this place during the dominion of the 
Romans. 

xT is difficult, not to say in many cases im- 
possible, to trace with precision the original founda- 
tion and establishment of particular places. The 
lapse of so many ages, and the want of ancient records, 
are obstacles which no industry or research can 
surmount Nor can it excite wonder that the origin 
of particular places should be unknown, when the 
subject is deliberately considered ; but on the other 
hand, it is what may reasonably be expected. When 
objects grand or novel are beheld, they strike the 
imagination with an irresistable force, and the plea- 
surable emotions they excite, lead the mind to dwell 
on them, till they become indelibly impressed on 
the memory ; but those which are common are seen 
and forgotten; the impression which they make 
fades away with the passing moment. While the 
majestic river, which fertilizes and enriches the 
country through which it winds its course, is beheld 



6 HISTORY OF PONTfiFRACT. 

with admiration, the spring from which it rises is 
unnoticed. In like manner the populous town or 
busy city contains objects which arouse the atten- 
tion, and the various occurrences and events of such 
places, afford matter for the historian; while the 
farm house or the few cottages, from which such 
town or city arose, are beheld with indifference ; 
and no one thinks of describing who built them, or 
by whom they are inhabited. As most places have 
originated from such small beginnings, years, if not 
ages, must have rolled away before they became 
sufficiently interesting to deserve notice; and on 
this account our inability to produce direct evidence 
of the time when, and the manner how this ancient 
town arose, is the less to be regretted. But though 
we cannot attain what is absolutely certain on this 
point, by the consideration of collateral circum- 
stances, we may yet arrive at what is highly probable. 
The state of Britain before the invasion of the 
Romans is but imperfectly understood. The enter- 
prizing spirit of the Phenician merchants of Tyre 
in the land of Judaea, had early pushed discovery 
beyond the pillars of Hercules; and to open new 
sources of wealth and trade, they had reached 
Britain. At this remote period, the Britons were 
not unacquainted with the treasures their country 
contained ; and long before Caesar visited them they 
knew how to extract the valuable metals of lead, tin, 
and copper from their ores. These articles they 
exchanged with the Phenicians for the merchandise 
of the east ; and the Phenicians gave the name of 
Cassiterides *, to the British isles. 

* Vid. Borlace Ant. Cor. 29. p. Five or six centuries before 
the Christian era, they carried on this trafic. Herodotus, who 
flourished 440 years before Christ, calls the island from whence 



HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. 7 

Julius Caesar about fifty-five years before the 
Christian era passed over from Gaul, and made a 
descent on Britian. The Britons not discouraged 
by the fame of his conquests, and the subjugation 
of their brethren the Gauls, made a brave resis- 
tance ; and though compelled to give way to the 
disciplined legions of Rome, they obtained the 
praise due to their valour and courage from their 
enemies. The ambition of Caesar was now directed 
against his own country; and having received hos- 
tages from the Britons he departed, and they esca- 
ped the yoke prepared for them for near a century. 

Caesar, who amidst the toils of war and the 
various duties which his high rank imposed upon 
him, still found leisure for the cultivation of polite 
literature; and to his elegant Commentaries we are 
indebted for the best information respecting the 
laws, customs and manners of the Britons. From 
these we learn, that the island of Britain was peopled 
from the Continent, and that our ancestors spake 
the same language, worshipped the same idols, and 
were governed by the same laws as the inhabitants 
of Gaul. 

The kingdom was divided into a number of inde- 
pendent and separate states, one of the most con- 
siderable of which was that of the Brigantes, who 
inhabited this part of the country. Each state 
acknowledged one chief or king; but this chief or 
king was not absolute. He could neither make 
laws, nor engage in any matters of importance, 
without the advice and consent of the equites, or leadr 

tin came Cassiterides, and confesses he knew not where it lay, 
xtcdj? is the Chaldee name for tin, and it is probable it was sq 
called by the Phenicians ; as the Greeks cannot be supposed to, 
have given a name to an island they did not know. 



8 tilSTORY Otf PONTEFRACT. 

ing men, and the druids, or priests *. There appears 
only to have existed among the Britons these two 
orders, for the common people were in a state of 
•vassalage f . Each of these equites enjoyed a cer- 
tain district of land, where he resided with his re- 
tainers around him, who attended him in war, and 
in peace cultivated his ground, and supplied his 
table with its produce. These districts must have 
differed in extent, some being larger than others; 
and it has been supposed these divisions of land, 
were the foundation of our present parishes. 

The houses of the Britons were of a round form, 
and covered with a convex roof; and houses of this 
form continued in the highlands of Scotland, where 
the remains of the old Britons still reside, within a 
few centuries J. They were made by driving stakes 
into the earth, and watling them with osiers; and 
the roof was covered with branches of trees* and 
thatched. They had much the appearance of tents, 
and w r ere so ca'led by Dion and Zonaras§. 

At the arrival of the Romans, the population of 
Britain was considerable. Bed e inform us, there 
were twenty-eight cities, besides other fortified 
■places || . Tacitus expressly asserts, that the Bri- 
gantes were the most numerous, and formed the 
largest kingdom of any within the whole island 5f . 
This people whose capital was called Isurium, (now 
Aldborough, near Boroughbridge,) were justly 
ranked among the most warlike of the Britons. 

* Whitaker, Hist. Man, Vol. 1. p. 6. 

f Caesar, pefie servorum loco. 

t B^etius, Scot. Reg. Descrip. Fo. 4. 1575, Paris. 

j| Eccl. Hist. B. 1G.1. 

^j" Tac Agr. c. 17. Brigantes—civitasnumerossissimatotius 
provinciae. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 9 

They had either peopled, or acquired by conquest 
the whole of that territory now divided into the 
counties of Durham, York, Westmoreland, Cum- 
berland, and Lancaster. In the Itineraries of An- 
tonine and Richard, there are twenty-eight towns 
mentioned, whose names prove their British origin/ 
subject to the Brigantes. According to Ninius, 
Danum, or Doncaster was then a town of impor- 
tance *. 

The towns or cities of the Britons were generally 
built in valleys, upon the margin of a stream or 
river, for the convenience of water and security 
from winds. They were not scenes of general and 
constant residence, but may be considered rather 
as places of refuge amid the dangers of war, where 
they might occasionally lodge their wives, children 
and cattle, and the weaker resist the stronger, till 
succours could arrive. Surrounded by impervious 
woods and secured by a rampart and fosse, they 
were sufficiently strong to resist the ordinary 
attacks of their enemies. 

The Britons had a peculiar method of giving 
alarm and collecting their forces, on the invasion 
of an enemy. They raised a cry which was caught 
up, and transmitted from mouth to mouth through 
all the region, and as the notice passed along the 
warriors snatched their arms, and hurried away to 
the rendezvous. When Caesar first invaded Britain 
the alarm was spread in this manner, in sixteen or 
seventeen hours, one hundred and sixty miles in a 
direct line f The partial remains of this custom 

* Usserii Prim. Eccl. Brit. 

f Ubi major atque illustrior incidit res, clamore per agroSj 
regionesque significant ; hunc alii deinceps excipiunt, et proximis 
tradunt: ut tunc accidit; nam quse oriente sole Genabi gesta 
> T 0. i. c * 



10 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT 

still exist among us in the' hue and cry Which is 
raised after a thief who would escape justice. 

After the invasion of Julius Csesar, a more gene- 
ral intercourse was established between Britain and 
the continent, 'and Britain was considered as a field 
where the generals of Rome might obtain fame, and 
the empire receive an addition to its territory and 
wealth. At length they obtained a settlement in 
the country; and in the progress of their con- 
quests reached the Brigantes ; and, after numerous 
and hard-fought battles, reduced them under sub- 
jection. Unaccustomed to a tame submission our 
brave countrymen, soon raised the standard of re- 
volt, and once more committed their cause to the 
decision of arms* 

Though possessed of equal valour and courage 
with their enemies, the Britons were deficient in that 
steady discipline and order which they had acquired, 
and were at last compelled to submit to the Roman 
eagle. This revolt of the Brigantes and the triumph 
of the Romans over them, happened in the seven- 
teenth consulate of Domitian, and about the eigh- 
teenth of the christian era. The fact is establised 
by a leaden trophy dug up near Ripon, about the 
middle of the last century *.. 

Having conquered this part of Britain, they 
adopted the most prudent methods to keep the 
people in subjection ; to check the spirit of revolt 
and to render their conquest useful and lasting. As 
they could not confide in Britons, they fixed 

essent, ante primam confectam vigiliam in finibus Arvernorum 
audita sunt ; quod spatium est millium passuunl circiter 1 60. G je s a r . 
Com. p. 135. 

* The inscription of it is, TMP. C AES. DOMITIAN. AVG. 
VII. COS. BRIG, Phik Tr. 687. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 11 

their camps, on the site of their towns or near to 
them, and a certain part of a legion was there 
stationed. The camps of the Romans which are 
supposed to have given origin to man}' of our towns 
and cities, appear rather to indicate some prior 
settlement of the Britons. In many instances this 
is certain, and in others the reason of the thing 
establishes it. 

Within two miles of this place the vestiges of a 
Roman camp or station remained till within a late 
period, and the Itineraries furnish us with the name 
Lagecium or Legeolium, now called Castleford. In 
the Bean-field, or Castle^garth, numbers of Roman 
coins have been dug up ; a sure indication that the 
Romans once dwelt there. From this circumstance, 
and if the above remark be just, we may infer that 
previous to their arrival, the banks of the Aire 
and Calder were inhabited; the native Britons there 
depastured their cattle, while the surrounding woods 
supplied them with game for the chase, and 
with food for their tables. Nor is it improbable 
that the Britons fed their flocks and their herds 
in the valley where the old town of Pontefract 
stood. 

The Romans stationed in this neighbourhood 
did not only check the ardent and restless spirit of 
the natives, but gradually introduced among them 
their own arts, and the comforts of civilization; 
and thus rendered their conquest equally beneficial to 
themselves and the vanquished Britons. The Roman 
soldiers were as much accustomed to the use of the 
plough as the shield, and were as industrious in 
peace as they were brave in war. When they had 
fixed their camps they availed themselves of the 
advantages the surrounding country presented, in. 



12 HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. 

order to secure to themselves tbe necessary sup- 
plies. Woods were cut down* the ground cleared and 
plowed up; and roads were constructed from station 
to station, to facilitate the conveyance of goods* 
and collect their forces together with more ease 
and expedition* on any sudden emergency. 

The great Roman road called Wathling or Wat- 
ling Street*, which divided England in length* 
and runs from the port Ritupae, now Richborough 
in Kent [usque ad lineam valli] to the limit of the 
Roman wall, and beyond it* unquestionably passed 
either through or near to the town of Pontefract, 
It may be traced from Danum, or Doncaster* over 
Seawsby Leas to Barnsdale; and from thence to 
East Hardwick* and through Pontefract Park to 
Castleford. A second Roman road from Chesterfield, 
by way of Sheffield* Bamsley, Hemsworth and 
Ackworth, joined Watlihg Street, at Pontefract : 
as did also a third from Manchester, by Canlbodu- 
hum, Wakefield* and the Street houses. A vicinal 
way appears to have passed through the site of 
the old town in a south direction to Darrington* 
Wentbridge, Smeaton, Campsail* and Hatfield; and 
northward to Castleford f. 

From the circumstance of so many roads meet- 
ing at or near this place* Leland and Drake were 
induced to consider it as the ancient Legeoliuni. 
Although much deference is due to the opinion of 

* Whitaker and Hearne differ from most other writers respect 
ing the name of this Roman road. They maintain that Watling 
Street led from Sandwich directly west into Wales : and that the 
true name of this street Is Ikening, or Ikinild. 

-j- The remembrance of this road is still preserved in the name 
oFthe closes called Street-Furlong, which lies contiguous to it, near 
Darrington. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACTV 13 

these celebrated antiquaries on subjects of this 
nature; they seem in this instance to have been 
mistaken, and the honour of that ancient station 
undoubtedly belongs to Castleford *. It is not 
however improbable, that a secondary and a sub- 
ordinate station to that at Legeolium was established 
here, as we find such secondary and subordinate 
stations usual in other places. These stations were 
placed at convenient distances for the protection of 
their cattle; and Whitaker mentions six of this 
kind in the vicinity of Mancuniensis, or Manches- 
ter. Before the inclosure and cultivation of the 
Park, evident vestiges of a Roman camp remained 
on its ridge f . 

The Roman custom of grazing in Italy was 
adopted in the remotest parts of their widely ex- 
tended empire. The dry ground of the hills, and 
the moist meadows of the vale were successively the 
pasture of their flocks and herds. During the sum- 
mer they confined them to the marshes and low 
grounds ; and on the approach of winter they drove 
them up to the hills J. According to this custom the 
* The greater part of our antiquaries are of this opinion, and 
the distance in the fifth and sixth Iter of Antonine confirm it, la 
the fifth, the distance from Danum to Legeolium is said to be sixteen 
miles ; and from thence to York twenty-one. In the eighth, it is 
said, from York to Legeolium is twenty-one, and from thence to 
Doncaster sixteen miles. 

Besides the coins which have been in such numbers dug up, 
and are still occasionally found, there have been other monuments 
of Roman elegance discovered at Castleford. T. Wilson, F. R. S; 
in a manuscript letter to the author of the Eboracum, now in the pos- 
session of the writer, remarks that he had seen at Castleford several 
fragments of a fine tesselated pavement, which had been dug up ity 
a garden adjoining to the Bean- field. 

f In the letter mentioned in the last note, the writer, who 
seems to have examined the ground, gives it as his decided opinion, 
that a Roman camp had been formed on the Park ridge. 
% Vegetius, Lib. iii. c. 8. Animalium pascua, 



14 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

low and marshy land about Castleford would be 
deemed unsuitable for their cattle in winter, and 
the higher ground of this place would be prefered. 

There have been some Roman coins found in 
this place, and there are still remaining in many 
old walls, bricks, which from iheir dimensions, 
thickness, colour, and texture, appear to be Roman, 
On the whole it is highly probable that this place 
derives its origin from a secondary Roman station, 
and although not equal in magnitude and impor- 
tance with Legeolium, yet owing to its excellent 
pasture grounds, the salubrity of its air, its com- 
manding prospects and beautiful scenery, it would 
be preferred by the more wealthy Romans as well 
as by the native Britons ; it became to Legeolium 
what Baiae was to Rome, the seat of elegance, 
pleasure, and refinement. 

The provincial government of Rome, has been 
censured as severe and oppressive; and it must be 
acknowledged that in some instances the censure is 
just. A high territorial impost, a tax on the pro^ 
duce of land was rendered still more grievous and 
burdensome by the rapacity of the collectors of the 
revenue. These oppressions produced the revolt 
under Boadicea which proved so fatal to the Roman 
legions, and nearly subverted their dominion in 
Britain. 

The towns were governed according to their 
rank. They were divided into four orders, towns 
municipal and stipendiary, colonies and cities in- 
vested with latin privileges. These last were like 
our present boroughs, enjoying the privilege of 
chusing their own magistrates, and not subject to a 
foreign prefect or questor. The stipendiary towns 
enjoyed no corporate privilege, and were subject 
to the provincial regimen, like our hamlets and 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT\ 15 

villages. Colonies were communities chiefly con- 
sisting of the veteran soldiers who had served out 
their legal time. Their government was partly by 
the civil, and partly by the military law. Every 
person in a colony was a soldier, and in cases of 
necessity the whole colony was called to take the 
field. A colony was established at York, and the 
chief officer of the government of the province, Flavia 
Caesariensis, resided there. The municipia were 
citie senfranchised ; where the natives were allowed 
the use of their own laws, and at the same time 
honoured with the privilege of Roman citizens. 

The Britons were chiefly employed, during this 
period, in agriculture and in the usual manual 
occupations. Though numbers enlisted and filled 
the ranks of the legions, they were denied the 
advantages conferred on the veterans of Home, 
and were subject to the disgraceful punishment 
of being beaten with rods, or scourged*; a 
punishment humiliating to a brave, and insupport* 
able to an high-spirited people. 

At length the Romans began to treat the natives 
with more respect, and to consider them as a com- 
ponent part of the empire. Anxious to preserve 
what they had acquired at the expence of so much 
blood, they endeavoured to unite the people into 
one body by the reciprocations of interest, and the 
participations of similar laws, privileges and immu- 
nities. In the reign of Antoninus Pius, these 
rights were conferred on every Briton of property 
and worth; and the cunning and artful Caracala 
extended them equally to all. By this wise act the 
Britons no longer suffered a disgraceful exclusion* 
but were admitted to a participation of marriages, 
* Acts xvi. 37. 



16 HISTORY OP PONTEFEACT. 

and a communion of honours with the Romans. 
They became eligible to every situation and office 
for which they were qualified ; and to this wise 
policy Rome was indebted for some of her best 
commanders and emperors. 

The Roman station at Legeolium, the subordi- 
nate one of this place, and the native inhabitants 
of the country, now became fellow citizens. The 
distinction which had hitherto existed between 
the conquerors and the conquered, was now hap- 
pily abolished; and no other difference was known, 
but what arose from the inequality of property, in- 
terest, or the discharge of civil or military offices. 
Under the influence of just laws, wisely administer- 
ed, population increased; and Britain could raise and 
send forth armies sufficiently powerful to obtain the 
empire of the world. From this province arose 
Constantine, called the Great; and supported by 
the British legions, he assumed the purple, and 
vanquished all his competitors *. 

From the time the empire was divided into 
the eastern and western it began to decay. The 
incessant wars carried on with equal fury and ran- 
cour by the emperors of the east and west, as well 
as by the various competitors, exhausted its strength 
and resources, and rendered it a more easy prey 

* At a subsequent period the British legions raised Maximus 
to the throne; and on his passing into Gaul, he took with him the 
flower of the British youth. The British forces remained with 
Victor, the son of Maximus by a British lady; and on the defeat of 
Victor, were left in the most deplorable situation ; in a distant coun- 
try, surrounded with enemies; without a leader, or ships to convey 
them home. They pushed forward to the sea coast, then called 
Armorica, in hope of getting over into Cornwall, but were disap- 
pointed. They tetded with the Belgae on the coast, and gave 
their name to the province now called Brittany, in France* 
Henry's Hist. Vol. 1. p. ??. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 17 

to its enemies. The northern nations as if by 
general consent, issued forth and assailed it through 
the whole length of its frontiers ; and though often 
repelled, they reiterated their attacks, till at length 
they obtained a final conquest. The Romans, un- 
able to stand before their enemies on the Continent, 
withdrew their legions from Britain, four hundred 
and three years subsequent to their first settlement 
in the country. 

From their possession of the country for so long 
a period, ii is natural to infer, that their customs, 
laws, and arts, had become deeply rooted among 
the Britons; and that on their departure these 
would be observed, and continue to maintain their 
influence. It is not possible for a people in any 
degree civilized to relapse all at once into a state of 
barbarism; and it is probable the Britons would 
adhere to those institutions the Romans had estab- 
lished among them. 

The Britons do not appear to have adopted 
their language. The higher ranks acquired it as an 
elegant and necessary accomplishment; but the 
lower orders continued to speak in their native dia- 
lect. Conquerors find it more difficult to change 
the language of a people, than their institutions 
and manners. 

On the departure of the Remans from this place 
and neighbourhood, many of their buildings would 
be left uninhabited, and would soon become ruins: 
and subsequent events would obliterate the remem- 
brance of those which had preceded. Few vestiges 
of the Roman name and greatness now remain; 
and had not the page of History outlived the works 
of art, it would have been impossible to have 
traced the existence of this once famous people 
either in this place or neighbourhood. 



18 HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. 

The Romans flattered themselves with the hope, 
that their government and dominions would be 
eternal. And if we consider the wisdom of their 
institutions; the propriety and equity of their laws; 
the elegance of their arts ; their military achieve- 
ments; their high spirit and invincible courage, 
such a hope may appear to be well founded; but 
when on the other hand we contemplate their 
vices, luxuries, and oppression, we see the falacy 
of their hope and the principal causes of their ruin. 
The same virtues which acquire dominion are re- 
quisite to preserve and keep it; and if a people 
cease to be virtuous, they will ultimately cease to 
command. While the rise, greatness, and duration, 
of the Roman state for so many ages, shew what 
the union of wisdom, justice and valour can accom- 
plish; their final subversion and ruin shew also what 
must be the end of every state in which vice prevails 
over virtue. 

Vain fluctuating state of human empire ! 
First small and weak it scarcely rears its head, 
Scarce stretching out its helpless infant arm s, 
Implores protection of its neighbour states, 
Who nurse it to their hurt. Anon it strives 
For pow'r and wealth, and spurns at opposition. 
* Arriv'd to full maturity it grasps 

At all within its reach, o'erleaps all bounds, 

Robs, ravages and wastes the affrighted world. 

At length grown old, and swelPd to bulk enormous. 

The monster in its proper bowels feeds 

Pride, luxury, corruption, perfidy, 

Contention, fell diseases of a state, 

That prey upon her vitals. Of her weakness 

Some other rising pow'r advantage takes, 

(Unequal Match !) plies with repeated strokes 

Her infirm aged trunk : she nods — she totters — 

She falls — alas ! never to rise again. 

The victor state upon her ruins rais'd, 

Runs the same shadowy round of fancy'd greatness, 

And meets the same certain end. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 19 



SECTION II. 

On the Saxon period, and the introduction of 
CJirislianiti). 

iHE name of this place in the time of the Saxons 
was Kirkby : a name evidently posterior to the in- 
troduction of Christianity, and imposed on the 
erection of a christian church. A church is called 
kirk * in many parts of this country, and is inva- 
riably so denominated in Scotland. The term 
Bye, is Saxon for an habitation, and when joined 
with kirk, signifies the town or hamlet near to or 
around the church. 

There is in this neighbourhood a South-Kirby, 
a place of considerable antiquity, as it is so called 
in Doomsday-book. It is not improbable that as 
this name was imposed for a similar reason, it was 

* The term Kirk is derived from the Greek, (Kvy&xos) 
denoting what belongs to the Lord; and has been applied to the 
building in which he is worshipped. The word translated church, 
in the New Testament, is CE*#w«a) and in no instance denotes a 
building, but an assembly of people; and in the old versions of the 
Bible, it was always rendered congregation ; a word which conveys 
the sense of the original much better than the technical term adopt- 
ed by King James's translators ; and it has this further advantage 
over the word church, that the bulk of the common people could 
not misunderstand it. 

In the articles, the word church is denned to be, "an assembly 
of faithful men," but how few are there, who on using the word 
church, affix to it the same ideas as are contained in the definition. 
The popular has nearly obliterated the theological sense. Vid. 
Pearson in Cred, 



20 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

called south, to distinguish it from this Kirkby 
which lay north of it, 

The Saxons at their arrival in Britain were 
equally strangers to the doctrines and genuine 
spirit of Christianity. The idols of their fathers 
were the objects of their profound veneration and 
regard; and their mythology while it displays the ; 
wildness of the untutored mind, strikingly deline- 
ates their habits and character. It seems wholly 
designed to inspire a contempt of death and a love 
of martial glory. By attaching disgrace and infamy 
to cowardice, both in the present and in a future 
world, it forcibly operated on all the energies of the 
mind, and contributed in a considerable degree to 
form their warlike character. The fear of disgrace 
prompted to deeds of the most daring valour. 

This mythology equally flattered the hope and 
ambition of the brave. It held out to them the 
never fading laurels of fame, and the enjoyment of 
the spoil and wealth of their vanquished enemies. 
Amid the dangers of war and die carnage of battle, 
they were taught to believe, that though they 
should fall on the ensanguined plain, they should 
enjoy in the invisible state, <c their airy hall," the 
luxury of drinking ale out of the skulls of those, they . 
had slain *. 

* The mythology of the Saxons is interwoven with our lan- 
guage, and many of their wild notions are still entertained among 
the vulgar. From the objects of their worship, the days of our '" 
week have derived their names. The first and second^ they 
dedicated to the Sun and Moon—Hence, Sun-day and Moon : day. 
The third and fourth, were dedicated to Tuisco and Woden, 
hence, TuiscoVday and Woden's-day. The fifth, sixth and 
seventh, in like manner to Thor, Frosa, and Seater ; and hence^ 
ThorVday, Frcea's-day, and SeaterVday. 

Besides the above Gods and Godesses, they had others of an 
inferior kind, to whom they paid respect Such was Eostre, to 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 21 

The influence of this mythology on the manners 
and conduct of our Saxon ancestors may easily be in- 
ferred. Strangers to the decencies and refinements 
of civilized life, they delighted in the turbulence of 
war and the effusion of blood. Unaccustomed to 
reason on the propriety or equity of any undertak- 
ing, and governed solely by interest, or impelled 
by caprice, they attacked all who opposed their de- 
signs. Like the corsairs of JBarbary they infested 
for a century the northern seas ; and whatever fell into 
their hands was deemed a lawful prize *. By their 

whom they sacrificed in the month of April, which was from 
thence denominated Eostur monath : and on their conversion, the 
name was continued and applied io> the resurrection. Another of 
their Gods was called Mara, supposed to terrify people in their 
sleep, whence comes the wovdnight-?nqre. The doctrines of Eifs 
and Fairies is purely Saxon ; and to these imaginary beings, they 
offered a peculiar kind of sacrifice called Alf-blot. Many still ' 
believe, that the green circles which are seen in meadows, have 
been the theatre of their midnight gambols ; and that an exudation, 
frpm a particular species of plant, is the butter they have made. 
Vid. Brands, pop. Ant. 

* Tacitus observes, that they accounted it more honourable 
to take the necessaries of life from others, than by honest industry to 
provide them for themselves. Their laws and customs had all 
a tendency to inspire courage, and form them for warriors. No 
man could bear arms till he was solemnly admitted to the privilege 
in a general assembly. 

A man was not suffered to. cut his beard, till he had slain his 
enemy, or taken his standard from him. 

If any one quitted the field of battle without success, he was 
under a temporary disgrace. 

If any left the field, where his general was slain, he was 
branded vvidi perpetual infamy. 

If a soldier lost his shield in battle, he was interdicted their 
sacred rites, on account of which many committed suicide. 

For a man to die of disease or in bed, they held to be .dis- 
honourable, and believed that all such could be excluded from the 
joys of a future happy state. 



22 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

piracies on the ocean and their plundering incursions 
on the land, they contributed their full share in the 
devastation and ruin of the western empire of Rome. 

The Britons finally abandoned by the Romans, 
and much enfeebled by the loss of their brave youth 
who had enlisted into their legions, were not long 
suffered to enjoy peace and tranquility. The Cale- 
donians who had been with difficulty restrained 
within the limits of the Highlands of Scotland, 
during the period of Roman power and greatness, 
now passed the wall of Severus, and ruin and devas- 
tation marked their progress. As their inroads 
were made more for the purpose of plunder than 
of permanent conquest, when they had obtained 
their object they retreated to their native wilds, 
Britain divided inio thirty petty states*, and each 
state jealous of its neighbour, and only intent on its 
own interest could never bring its whole strength 
against its northern foes; and by being thus divided 
its misery and ruin advanced with the rapidity of a 
continually accelerated force. 

After separate states had struggled with the 
hardy sons of the North for the space of forty years, 
at length a war-king was chosen as generalissimo of 
the united troops of Britain. Had this measure 
been adopted on the departure of the Romans, it 
is probable the Britons would have been able to 
repel the Caledonians, nor would the Saxons have 
been otherwise known than as enemies who had 
been defeated. This measure was now too late. 
The spirit of the country was broken, its strength 
exhausted, and nothing but defeat could be ex- 

* Vid. Turner's Hist, of the Saxons, Vol. I. 133.— This 
elegant and ingenuous writer has accurately pointed out the form of 
government, which prevailed after the departure of the Romans. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 23 

pected. Necessity, not choice, impelled the Bri- 
tish chief to invite the Saxons to repel the Cale- 
donians; a measure which proved fatal to the inte- 
rests and independence of Britain. The Saxons 
once admitted into the country had no wish to re- 
turn. Allured by the fertile plains of the south, 
and the riches of the country, they turned their 
arms against the unhappy Britons, and began the 
conquest of the land. Though frequently checked 
and often defeated, yet receiving continual reen- 
forcements from their own shores, they ultimately 
succeeded in their design, and Britain once more 
received the yoke of a foreign power. 

Daring this unhappy contest the chief monu- 
ments of Roman elegance and greatness were laid 
in ruins; and a once cultivated country converted 
into a desert. " The Saxons destroyed eyery thing 
with fire and sword. Public as well as private 
buildings were consumed; the priests were slain 
whilst ministring at the altar; the bishops with 
their people were put to the sword; nor ivere there 
any left to perform for them the rights of sepulture. 
Many .fled to the mountains for safety, and endured 
a precarious existence in poverty and want. 
Others emigrated, and sought peace and safety in 
foreign climes. Some submitted to their destiny, 
and were reduced to the most abject slavery *." 

The kingdom of Northumberland was establish- 
ed the last in the Heptarchy; and from this circum- 
stance we may infer that the Britons of our own 
country made a brave resistance. They contested 
every inch of ground with the enemy : and when 
repelled from Yorkshire, they obstinately defended 

* Bed. lib. I. c. 19. Fro accipiendis alimentarum subsidiis 
eternum subituri servitium. 



^4 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

themselves in Cumberland, Lancashire, arid Che- 
shire; and a century elapsed before they were 
driven to the mountains of Wales. From these 
mountains they often issued forth, and by the 
slaughter and plunder of the Saxons, retorted on 
them the cruelties they had exercised. Here they 
maintained their independence, and have transmit- 
ted their name and language down to our own days. 
The Saxons being established in the possession 
of Britain, attempts were made to impart to them 
the blessings of revelation, and to bring them 
within the pale of the christian church: nor were 
these attempts unsuccessful. Christian societies 
were certainly formed, and christian bishops are 
mentioned, anterior to the departure of the 
Komans* The native Britons had embraced 
Christianity, and when driven by the Saxons from 
the fertile parts of the country, they adhered to it 
among the mountains of Wales. The Saxons who 
inhabited Kent first received and professed the 

* It has been maintained that Christianity was introduced 
into Britain in the time of the Apostles. Claudia, the wife of 
Pudens, mentioned 2 Tim. iv. 21. is supposed to be a British 
ladv, whom Martial celebrates for her beauty and virtues. Lib. iv. 
Ep. 1 3. If any of the Apostles did visit Britain, it was Paul. He 
was released from confinement at Rome in the year 58, and spent 
nine years in the western empire ; and as he never returned to the 
east, it is not improbable that in this space he visited Spain, Gaul 
and Britain. He particularly aimed to preach the gospel, where 
no other had been ; and considering his 2eal, it cannot be suppos- 
ed, but that he would labour in the west as he had done in the east, 
till his death under Nero, in the year 67. Whatever truth may be 
in this, it is certain, that Christianity prevailed in Britain under 
the Romans, as bishops attended at the council of Aries in the 
year 314. Also at the council of Nice in the year 324. The 
events, which followed the arrival of the Saxons, nearly obliterated 
the Christian name ; and excepting a few monks at Bangor, and 
in Scotland, their churches and institutions were subverted. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 25 

gospel. The greater part obstinately adhered to 
idolatry, and for a considerable time Christianity 
made very little progress. 

The zeal and prudence of the christian mission- 
aries by degrees succeeded in subverting idolatry, 
and in establishing the empire of truth. A happy 
combination of circumstances often pointed out the 
path of duty, and ensured success to their labours. 
The ignorance, superstition, passions, and vices 
of men, frequently afforded facilities for introducing 
the gospel, and became subservient to its establish- 
ment. 

Christianity was introduced into the Northum- 
brian kingdom in the re' gn of Edwin. He had spent 
the early part of his life in adversity; and though an 
exile he found protection and favour from Eadbald 
king of Kent. He saw the beautiful Ethelburga, 
sister to the king. The accomplishments of her per- 
son and mind gained the heart of Edwin; and when 
he had obtained possession of the Northumbrian 
throne, by a decisive victory over Ethelfred, at 
Retford, he made her an offer of his hand. She was 
a christian, and he yet a professed idolater. Like 
a prudent and sensible woman, she would not re- 
nounce her faith for the splendor of a throne; nor 
would she become the consort of Edwin, unless she 
might be allowed the exercise of her own religion. 
Edwin submitted to this, and Ethelburga brought 
with her a christian bishop and christian attendants. 
,- For some time the civil and military affairs of 
the state demanded and occupied the whole atten- 
tion of Edwin. At length he began to examine 
the subject of religion; and no one can doubt the 
influence of Ethelburga in persuading the king to 



2$ JflSTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

embrace Christianity *. A clay was appointed when 
the subject was to be discussed; and Paulinus the 
bishop was to point out the evidences of Christianity, 
whilst Coisi, Edwin's high priest, was to defend the 
idolatry of his fathers. Whether Coisi, perceiving 
the inclination of Edwin, made a virtue of necessity, 
or whether convinced by the arguments of Paulinus, 
he was the first to renounce idolatry. The king 
followed his example, and the nobles imitated the 

* ''It was a maxim of the Saxons, to undertake no business of 
importance without consulting their wives, to whose advice they 
paid the greatest regard". Not to have regarded the tender 
intreaties of" Ethelburga, not to have been influenced by the advice 
she would not fail to give; would have been for Edwin to have 
renounced the gallantry and maxim of his ancestors. It is apparent 
from this maxim, that our ancestors, however unpolished, appre- 
ciated more justly the talents and character of the fair, than the soft 
luxurious sons of the East. These have denied them the possession 
of intelect, and depriving them of the rank and rights which they 
ought to enjoy in society, have subjected them to the humiliating 
condition of slaves; and as slaves they are bought and sold at the 
pleasure of a stern lord. Immured in an Harem, and never per- 
mitted to mingle in general society, they bloom unseen ; they remain 
ignorant because they have no means of information ; their conversa- 
tion is insipid, and their manners unconciliating, because they have 
never had an opportunity of polishing the latter, nor of acquiring 
the talent to render the former agreeable and interesting. A mind 
as vigorous as Newton's, as delicate and discriminating as Addison *s, 
if placed in such circumstances, could never have developed its 
uncommon powers. How different the treatment the ladies have 
received from the hardy sons of the North. They perceived that 
though the fair wanted some of the bold features of their own 
characters, yet they were possessed of others equally useful and 
amiable — that their caution and timidity were well calculated to 
repress rashness and precipitancy — that their sensibility and feeling 
were adapted to soften and humanize — and in a word, that their 
affection and fidelity; their vivacity and chearfulness rendered 
them the most agreeable companions in lite ; entitled them to share 
in the rights of domestic government, and to be consulted on matters 
©f the greatest importance. 



HISTORY OF FOXTEFRACT. 27 

king. A wood church was erected at York imme- 
diately after; and the king and the nobles were 
all baptized together. 

The influence of Edwins example and that of the 
nobles, appeared in the almost general conversion 
of the lower orders *. The idols and their temples 
were destroyed, and so great were the crowds who 
came to be baptized, that Paulinus was fully em- 
ployed in this pious work. Destitute of modern 
conveniences, he was under the necessity of resort- 
ing to the primitive practice, and baptized them 
in the rivers Gleni and Swale. 

Edwin's reign is the brightest period in the 
annals of the Saxon Heptarchy. He was acknow- 
ledged as the head, and for a period of seventeen 
years the whole of England enjoyed a profound 
peace. William of Malmsbury gives him this 
high character: " Not only, says he, the English, 
Scots, and Picts, but even the Orcades, and all the 
British islands, dreaded his arms and adored his 
grandeur: no public thief nor house-breaker was 
found in his time; the adulterer was a stranger, 
and the spoiler of other men's goods afar off: his 
glory shines even to our own age with splendor." 

In this manner was Christianity introduced into 
this county; and it is evident from Bede, that in 
the time of Paulinus, between the year 620 and 630, 
wood churches were erected in several towns, and 
.some in this neighbourhood. One of this descrip- 
tion he mentions in the royal villa of Campordono. 
Whitaker maintains that the Campo-dono of Bede 
is the same as the Cambodunum of Antonine; and 

* Every intelligent reader will make the inference that con- 
versions of this kind, are nothing more than compliances with the 
will of superiors j and that the same cause would turn them agairi 
to idolatry. . 



28 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

was situated above Huddersfield, at a place now 
called Slack. Watson, in the first volume, Archaeol- 
ogia, contends that Doncaster is unquestionably the 
Campo-dono of Bede. This place is called Danum 
in the Iter of Antonine, as well as in the Notitia; 
and as in old authors the vowels a and o are used 
promiscuously, the difference in the orthography 
will not invalidate this opinion. As the river Trent 
often formed the boundary of the Northumbrian 
Idngdom, it cannot be supposed, the Saxon kings 
would neglect this old Roman station ; but it is 
natural to believe they would often reside there for 
the purpose of guarding their frontiers. 

The term Campo is wholly inapplicable to the 
place Whitaker assigns; and it must be made a 
radical part of the appelative name to become in 
the least degree probable. But if used in reference 
to Danum it is proper, and explains the situation 
of the place. 

It is generally allowed that Edwin was slain at 
Hatfield ; and Bede represents the victorious army 
as advancing to Campo-dono; and setting fire to 
the church erected by Paulinus, consumed it to 
ashes together with the town ; and that in conse- 
quence of this the kings of Northumberland removed 
to Loidis (Leeds). Bede remarks, that the altar of 
the church being of stone, and sustaining the violence 
of the flames uninjured, was preserved and then in, 
the possession of the abbot and priest Trumwulsi, 
who resided in the wood of Elmet, now called 
Berwick *. 

From the above facts, considering that the 
road from York to Doncaster lay through this 

* Bed. Thoresby considers Hal ton, near Leeds, as the place 
where the abbot Trumwulsi resided, and where the Atlar Pau- 
linus had erected at Danum, was preserved. Due. Leed. 111. p. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 29 

place, it is not improbable that the first christian 
bishop might preach here the first christian dis- 
course. It is amusing to recall in imagination a 
primitive scene of this kind. A bishop, like the 
apostles, endeavouring to instruct, enlighten, and 
reform a gross, an idolatrous people; this people 
amazed at what they heard, but unable to compre- 
hend it — some awed into reverence by the venerable 
character of the priest — some more rude indulging 
a smile of contempt — some deliberating, reasoning, 
and wishing to hear him again on such important 
topics ! 

Edwin being slain, Paulinus and Ethelburga 
fled into Kent ; and the christian churches were 
destroyed. The short space of time Paulinus had 
been permitted to labour, will warrant the conclu- 
sion that little progress had been made in evange- 
lizing the country in his day. Though uncommonly 
zealous and active, a period of a few years is too 
short to accomplish such a task, and on his depar- 
ture the people reverted again to the worship of 
idols. 

Cadwallo, the king of the Welsh Britons, who 
had vanquished and slain Edwin, was equally suc- 
cessful against Osric and Eanfrid. He plundered 
the kingdom and kept it in subjection for some 
years. At length Oswald, who in the preceding 
reign had fled into Scotland, commisserating the 
unhappy condition of his country raised a small, 
but valiant army ; marched into Northumberland, 
met Cadwallo, and slew him and the greatest part of 
his army. By this decisive victory Oswald was 
firmly established on the Northumbrian throne. 

Oswald in his exile had sincerely embraced 
Christianity, and his first concern was to introduce 
and establish it. He sent into Scotland, and re^ 



30 HISTORY OF FONTEFRACT: 

quested the king to find some person, well qualified 
for the discharge of the duties of a missionary and 
bishop. The king, in answer to his request, sent 
Aidan, a person no less venerable for his virtues 
than respectable for his learning, Aidan founded 
the see of Landisfarne, which was afterwards re- 
moved to Durham; and by his indefatigable labours, 
aided by the good sense, piety, and munificence of 
Oswald, Christianity was firmly established, and 
maintained its influence amid all the wars and revo- 
lutions which succeeded. 

The reign of Oswald was short, but active and 
glorious. That precedence which Edwin had ac- 
quired, among the kings of the heptarchy, Oswald 
maintained. But neither his piety, wisdom, nor 
valour could secure, in these turbulent times, tran-, 
quility and peace. Penda, the pagan king of 
Mercia, envied his greatness and detested his re- 
ligion. Not daring to meet Oswald fairly on the 
field of battle, he endeavoured to accomplish by 
stratagem and surprise, the iniquitous design he 
had formed. Oswald had made a progress into 
Cheshire, attended by few besides his domestic 
servants, and did not in the least expect any hostile 
attempts. This security betrayed him. For Penda 
having secretly raised an army, pushed after him, 
and finding him unprepared, fiercely assaulted him. 
Oswald and those with him bravely defended them- 
selves ; but at length the most determined valour 
was forced to yield to superiority of numbers, Os- 
wald was slain, and his treacherous and barbarous 
enemy had the meanness to treat the corpse with 
every kind of insult. The christians on account o£ 
his virtues canonized him ; and the fifth of August 
is still honoured as the day of his martyrdom in the 
Jioman martyrology. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 31 

The respect and veneration paid to St. Oswald, 
in this place and neighbourhood, entitles him to 
particular notice. A cross was erected here to 
his memory and virtues, at a very early period; 
probably not long after his death. This cfoss 
gave name to the division, Hundred or Weapon- 
take, now corrupted into Osgoldcross *. > It was 

* This division of land was called the Hundred, as it consisted 
of ten tythings, and each tything consisted of ten freeholders^ so 
that the Hundred contained a hundred freeholders together with 
their families, and persons in a servile condition. To this district 
belonged a court; called the Court of the Hundred ; and a chief 
Magistrate, called the Hundredary. It belonged to him to call 
the court, to preside in it, and put its sentence in execution. All 
the freeholders attended in arms, according to the manner of their 
German ancestors ; and as it was the custom to touch the spear of 
the Hundredary with theirs, in token of submission, it was deno- 
minated Weapontake from the Saxon, tac, to touch. 

The Weapontake of Oswald, or Osgoldcross is divided into 
the Upper and Lower Division, and consists of the following 
Townships and Parishes. . 

OSGOLDCROSS, UPPER DIVISION, 

TOWNSHIPS. PARISHES. 

A ck worth, Ack worth. 

Badsworth, 

Thorp Audlin, \ Eadsworth, 



Upton, 

Bramwith, Bramwith. 

Burghwallis, Burghwallis, 

Campsall, 
Norton, 

Fen wick, ^Campsall. 

Moss, 

Sutton and Askorn, 
Castlefbrd, 
Houghton, 
Darrington, 
Stapleton, 
Featherston, 
Purston Jaglin, 

Water-Fryston, \ Ferry-Fryston, or rather Water- 

Part of Ferrybridge^ 3 Fryston. 

Kirksmeaton, Kirksmeaton. 



Castle ford. 



Darrington. 



Featherston. 



32 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



equally corrupted at the time of the general survey, 
in the reign of William the conqueror ; and is called 



Pontefract, 

Tan shelf, 

Carleton, 

East Hardwick, 

Knottingley, 

Part of Ferrybridge, 

Owston, 

Carcroft Hamlet, 

Skellow, 

Skelbrook, 

South Kirkby, 

South Elm sail, 

North Elmsall, 

West Hardwick, 

Hassle, 



( Owston. 

Skelbrooke. 
i South Kirkby. 

i Wragby. 



LOWER DIVISION. 



Armine, 
Hooke, 

* Goole, 
Rawcliffe, 
Cowick, 
Snaith, 
Gowdall, 
Heck, 
Hen sail, 
Pollington, 
Balne, 

Part of Whitley, 
Keliington, 
Beaghall, 
Egbrough, 
Part of Whitley, 
Womersley, 
Cridling Stubs, 
Little Smeaton, 
Stubs Walden, 

* Adlingfleet, 
Fockerby, 

* Haldenly and Eastoft, 

* Whitgift, 

* Reedness, 

* Swinfleet, 

* Ouzefleet, 
N. B. * These are all in Marshland 

goes to Thorne and Don caster. 



^Snaith. 



Keliington. 



Womersley. 



Adlingfleet. 



Whitgift. 



on the South Side of the River that 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 33 

in Doomsday-book Osgoodcross. If the name 
had been recently imposed, it would have been 
clearly and graphically expressed ; and from this 
corruption of the name it may be inferred, that the 
cross had been long erected, and that both the ob- 
ject and occasion of it were then almost forgotten. 

It is natural to suppose, that the place where 
this cross was erected, was then a place of some 
importance and consideration ; at least, that it ex- 
ceeded every other within the division. The erec- 
tion of this cross at so early a period, will establish 
the fact, that the inhabitants of this Burgh had 
then embraced and professed Christianity. And is it 
not probable from this circumstance, that Oswald 
had honoured the place by his royal presence? that 
he had conferred some particular privileges on its 
inhabitants ? May not he be the person who built 
a church, and as a testimony of their gratitude, they 
thus honoured him ? 

It could not be earlier than the middle of the 
seventh, nor later than the eighth century, when the 
church was built, which gave the name of Kirkby 
to this town. Within this period lived the before 
mentioned Edwin and Oswald ; and afterwards 
Ceohvolf and Egbert, who abdicated a throne to 
spend their last days in devotion^among the monks. 
During this period christian churches were erected 
in most places of importance, through the Northum- 
brian kingdom; several monasteries were built and 
largely endowed, which supplied the churches with 
a succession of teachers : and it is probable that 
many of the parish churches may date their origin 
from about this period * Had they not been now 

* It is not meant, that the present buildings were erected, but 
.that structures were raised for religious worship, on the decay of 
which, others have been built. 

F # 



34 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

built, the turbulence of the succeeding times — the 
invasion of the Danes — the furious wars between 
them and the Saxons, would not admit of leisure 
for works of this kind. 

Owing to the want of ancient documents, it is 
impossible to point out with certainty where the 
first christian church stood ; or what was the form 
of the structure. It is however most probable that 
it occupied the site of the present church of All- 
Saints; and from the veneration paid to the cross, 
would be built in that form. The ground where it 
stood would be esteemed sacred; and when the 
wood church gave place to a more permanent 
structure of stone, its site would be preferred. 

What was the precise extent of the parish at 
this period cannot now be ascertained. As churches 
were at first built only in towns and cities, parishes 
would be much more extensive than they now are; 
and it is not improbable that many of the contigu- 
ous parishes might then be included in that of 
Kivkby*. 

* Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury, obtained from the 
king royal licences, that he who built a church should enjoy the 
patronage of it; and it became common for every thane to build 
a church on his own land, for the use of his servants and tenants ; 
and a law of Athelstan proves that no one could enjoy the dignity 
of thane without possessing a church. As there were inferior 
freeholders who were not able to erect churches on their estates ; 
these gave their tythes, and attended at the church nearest to them ; 
and as the thanesland constituted a township, over which he 
exercised civil jurisdiction, all the surrounding districts which 
brought their tythes to the same church formed a parish. As 
population, increased, chapels of ease were erected, at this time 
called Oratories, where the common prayers only were read. The 
bishops often found it necessary to raise them into parish churches, 
and to grant them full parochial rights and privileges. In some 
instance, their dependence on the mother church was perpetuated 
by the payment of the dues, though they were permitted to admi- 
nister all the sacraments. 



HISTORY OF TONTEFRACT. 35 

Daring the period of the Saxon dominion, Bri- 
tain was the theatre of long, bloody, and destruc- 
tive wars. What from their contests with the 
Britons, their animosities among themselves, and 
lastly their fierce and desperate conflicts with the 
Danes, there were few intervals of peace. Yet 
amidst all this confusion Christianity was introduced 
and established; and though its mild spirit, its bene- 
volent precepts, and genuine principles, appeared 
during that period to produce little effect, it has 
gradually prevailed to soften, humanize, and polish 
this, as well as every other country, where it has 
been received. The idols of the pagans fell before 
it, for 

Not Mars, the lord of wounds, who scatters round 

The seeds of war, and fills the rancorous heart 

With Gorgon poisons, can assist his fanes; 

Nor Venus can avail, nor her vile boy. 

The golden statues of Minerva fall, 

Tho' fools proclaim her goddess of the arts ; 

Nor he for whom, as ancient fictions sing, 

The leafy vines, their precious branches spread, 

Can prop the columns nodding with their gods. 

The marbles tremble with terrific crash, 

And the vast fabric rushes into dust. 

Ev'n Neptune rumoured sovereign of the waves, 

Who by his swelling billows rules the main, 

He cannot save his sculptur'd effigies, 

Whose marble brows the golden leaves surround. 

Not ev'n Alcides who the centaurs crush'd, 

And dar'd the fiery breath of prowling Cacus, 

When from his throat his words in flames were pour'd, 

Tho' his right hand the dreadful club may grasp, 

Can shield his temples when the Christian prays. 



36 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



SECTION III. 

Inquiry into the Constitution and Privileges of this 
Burgh under the Saxons. 

A HAT this was a burgh in the time of Edward 
the Confessor is certain, from evidence the most 
decisive; but how long it enjoyed this privilege 
anterior to this period is uncertain *. If the popu- 
lation was such as to render it advisable to build a 
church in the seventh century, it may be presumed 
it would then be accounted a Burgh, and probably 
might be so accounted from the time the Saxons 
obtained possession of the place. 

The term borough, in its original Saxon 
borghj is said by Bracton to signify primarily a 
tything, or a company of ten families of freemen, 
who were bound or combined together as each 
others pledge; and hence a pledge is called borh. 
This territorial division has been ascribed to 
Alfred, but without any foundation, as it is noticed 
in the laws of Edgar. By his law it is thus enacted, 
" Every man shall find and have borh, and the 
borh shall produce him to every legal charge, and 
shall keep him, and if he have done wrong and 
escapes, his borh shall bear what he ought to have 
borne. But if it be theft, and the borh can bring 
him forward within twelve months, then what the 
borh paid shall be returned." 

* Vid. Doomsday-book, among the possessions of Ilbert de 
Lacy, under the manor of Tateshall. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 37 

From hence it may be inferred that the district 
mid division of land which they possessed, who found 
borh, or were pledges for each others good and 
peaceable behaviour, formed the limits of their juris- 
diction. "Whatever might be the number of freemen 
who inhabited a burgh originally, or whatever their 
number by the increase of population, the limits of 
the jurisdiction of such burgh still remained. And 
it is not improbable that the ancient tythings were 
nearly of equal extent with our present townships, 
and the bounds of our present boroughs. 

As castles and other fortifications were built for 
the defence of towns, the term burgh came to sig- 
nify a fortified place. According to Verstegan, all 
places which had this name were one w 7 ay or 
other fortified. 

The land and houses within a burgh might 
belong to the king, or to some of the thanes, or 
bishops. In Canterbury Edward had fifty-one 
burgesses*; in Bath sixty-four; and ninety bur- 
gesses of other men are mentioned f . In Romenel 
twenty-five burgesses belonged to the archbishop J ? 

On the authority of the DodsworiU manuscripts, 

* Doomesday, Fol. 2. f Ibid 100. 

{ Ibid 87. "The burgesses and tradesmen, in great towns, had 
in the reign of Edward the Confessor, their patrons, under whose 
protection the)' traded and paid an acknowledgment therefore ; 
or else, were in a more servile condition, as being, in Doudmo 
Regis vel aliorum, altogether under the power of the king or other 
lords." Brady on burghs. This advocate for the prerogatives of the 
crown, and enemy to the representative branch of our excellent 
constitution, would lead his reader u> believe, that burges?es were 
in no better state than the servile, but equally subject to the wiii of 
some lord. It is true, they were subject to the land proprietors, as 
renting houses or land belonging to them ; but it does not appear 
from any authority he has produced, that they were in that 
degraded state, he has described, till oppressed by the conqueror. 



38 HISTORY OF PQNTEFRACT, 

Camden informs us that one Aske * was the first 
Saxon proprietor of this place; and that it de- 
scended by due succession to one Alric, from 
whom William the Conqueror took it. He had 
issue, Swayne, who had Adam Fitz Swayne, who 
had two daughters; one of whom married Gaufrede 
Neville, and the other Thomas Brough f. 

Burghs were generally inhabited by tradesmen 
and mechanics. They enjoyed the exclusive privelege 
of fairs and markets: and the commerce of the 
nation centered in them. By this privilege they 
were distinguished from the villages, which were 
inhabited by ceorls and viilani, or farmers and 
husbandmen. 

Burgesses were not considered in this period as 

Madox has proved, that the burghs of the king were only subject 
to a fee-farm rent ; and as this was very moderate, they may be 
considered as the proprietors, and holding by burgage tenure, 
which Cooke considers as a species of free socage. 

* The family of the Aske's, continued in this county till the 
time of Charles I. The seat of the family was at Aske, in the 
parish of Easby, in Richmondshire. One Wyhomere, bearing the 
arms of Aske, was a kinsman to Allen, first Earl of Britain, in the 
reign of the Conqueror, which Alien had the Earldom of Richmond, 
given him by the said William the Conqueror, and gave to this 
Wyhomere the manor of Aske. He married Annabel!, daughter 
of Sir John Neville, of Hornby and Hooton, Knight, had issue, 
Conan, Werner, Warine, Roger, Hugh. The manor of Aske 
continued in this family, and a branch of it married the daughter 
and heiress of de la Haye, of Aughton, on the Derwent ; by which 
marriage, they became Lords of Ellerton and Aughton, and 
patrons of Ellerton Abbey, near Howden. 

f Stowe's An. p. ] 16. It is difficult to reconcile the above 
account of the Saxon proprietors, with the silence of doomsday- 
book. The manor of Tateshall is said to have belonged to the 
king in the time of Edward, and as the burgh of Kirkby is noticed 
in connection with Tateshall, without any Saxon proprietor being 
mentioned, it is natural to infer, that it equally belonged to the 
king*. The king might indeed grant his right in the burgh, or 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 39 

eminent either for their rank or property. A con- 
siderable part were such as by their good conduct, 
and the generosity of their Lords, had obtained 
their freedom. For among the Saxons slavery not 
only existed, but was acknowledged by the laws, and 
regularly organized into a system. In conveyances 
of land, slaves are mentioned with the stock, and 
disposed of in the same manner*. Many of the 
slaves were the remains of the conquered Britons ; 
and others were such persons as had forfeited their 
freedom by their crimes f. 

On the conversion of the Saxons, the mild influ- 
ence of Christianity was felt by this unhappy class 
of society. It became customary for the bishops 
and abbots to manumit the slaves attached to the 
property appropriated to them. Other persons, by 
being taught to consider acts of benevolence as a 
religious duty, imitated their example; and in their 
wills they frequently bequeathed the boon of free- 
dom to their slaves J. 

what is now called the fee-farm rent, to the above family; which 
they might cominue to enjoy without ever obtaining it as a 
freehold inheritance. In this case, though they would be consider- 
ed as lords of Kirkby, in a popular sense, the) would not be noticed 
in Doomsday-book, as not being the propiietors. 

* In an Enumeration ol property on an estate, it is said there 
were an hundred sheep, fifty- five swine, two men, and five yoked 
oxen. 3 Gale's Scrip. 431. 

A duke of Mercia, in a donation to a church, gave six men, 
with all their offspring and their family, that they may always 
belong to the said cnuich in perpetual inheritance. Hicke's Diss. 
Ep. p. 12. 

f In the laws tff Ina, it is enacted ", that if a freeman work 
on a Sunday without his lord's orders, he shall lose his liberty, or 
pay sixty shilling?. Leg. Inac. 15. 

t A landholder, in Edgar's time, in his will, directed that 
thirteen of his slaves should be liberated as the lot should decide. 
3 Gale's Scrip. 407. 



40 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Those who had thus obtained their freedom 
were called Frilazin. Some of them became agri- 
cultural labourers, and took land of the clergy 
and great, paying them an annual rent; but the 
chief part went and resided in the burghs, and be- 
came burgesses. In the burghs, during the Saxon 
period, every freeman, or freedman, who occupied 
a house, and paid his gafal, or rent, was a burgess. 
The theow r s, or such as had lost their freedom, and 
the hereditary slaves, as being the property of their 
masters, though they resided within the burgh, 
were not admitted to enjoy the rights and rank of 
burgesses,. 

Freedom deserves to be noticed as the first pri- 
vilege, the burgesses of Kirkby enjoyed*. While the 
slave was doomed to toil for his lord, however 
severe and oppressive, the freeman could work for 
any employer he chose. This was a valuable right, 
as it secured to the freeman mild treatment. A 
slave for the most trifling fault might be whipped; 

* The Editor cannot but lament, that in the enlightened period 
in which he lives, when the rights and duties of men are more 
clearly ascertained ; when a sound philosophy has not only encreas- 
ed the circle of the sciences, but has enlightened the understanding 
and enlarged the social affections ; — when Revelation is admitted 
as the test of truth and duty ; when that maxim, " Whatso- 
ever ye would, that men should do to you, do ye also to them/* 
is admired for its conciseness, simplicity, and propriety ; slavery 
should still be encouraged. He hopes the day is not far distant, 
when a sense of duty will prevail over personal interest, and this 
reproach of our nation be for ever done away. Though hitherto, 
the efforts of a Wilberforce and other friends of humanity, have 
not been crowned with success ; they have not laboured in vain. 
They have produced a spirit of enquiry; they have exposed^ the 
injustice of the slave-trade ; they have laid a foundation for its 
abolition ; and their names deserve, and will be handed down to 
posterity, with honour and respect. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 41 

but a freeman was exempt from this disgraceful 
punishment. If any person put a freeman into 
bonds, the law enjoined a fine of twenty shillings , 
a great sum in those days, and which demonstrates 
the high regard the Saxons had for liberty. If a 
freeman was accused of any crime, he was judged 
by his peers; while the master was both judge and 
jury over his slaves. How valuable was the privi- 
lege of being a burgess, when so many endured 
the galling yoke of vassalage. 

Burgesses could acquire property and dispose 
of it according to their own pleasure. The 
avenue to wealth and honour was open before them ; 
and this circumstance could not fail to impart 
energy to their exertions, which would in many 
cases be crowned with success. When the condition 
of a man is such as to preclude the hope of realiz- 
ing property, and of bequeathing it to the objects 
of his regard, the noblest motive to industry is de- 
stroyed; and the mind sinks into an apathy respect- 
ing both present and future concerns. But bur- 
gesses and freemen could attain to the highest rank 
and dignity. By a law of Athelstan it is expressly 
declared, " that if a ceorl, or farmer, and of course 
any other freeman, have the full proprietorship of 
five hides of land, a church, and kitchen, a bell- 
house, a burgh-gate seat, and an appropriate office 
in the king's hall, he shall thenceforth be a thane 
by right. The same laws provide, that a thane 
may arrive at the dignity of an earl, and a merchant, 
who went three times over the sea with his own 
craft, might become a thane *. Though burgesses, 
as mechanics and tradesmen, did not rank high, yet, 
as freemen, who might aspire and attain to the 
* Wilk. Leg. Sax. 70, and 71. y 

G * 



42 HfStORY OF FONTEFRACT. 

honours of nobility, their condition was reputable. 
The houses or land which they held of the king or 
superior lord, they could sell or dispose of, reser- 
ving the rights of the king or the lord. They had 
the privilege to devise such houses or land by will, 
nor Was the devisee, subject to any relief, or other 
feudal burden, but on the demise of the proprietor, 
entered into immediate possession of the property 
devised. 

The tythings and burghs enjoyed the privilege 
of choosing their own peace officers, and governing 
themselves according to the laws of the land. All 
government is unquestionably derived from parental 
authority. A family is naturally governed by its 
parents, and its ramifications by the aged. The 
father, says Homer, is the legislator of his wife 
and children. Among most barbarous tribes the 
aged ancestors have prescribed rules of mutual be- 
haviour, and have adjudged disputes. That our 
Saxon forefathers were governed in this manner is 
evident from the fact, that the words of their lan- 
guage which denote authority also express age*. 

The government of the burgh was simple, but 
efficient. As all the burgesses choose the burgh- 
reve, so all the burgesses when met together formed 
the burgh- mote, or court in which causes were 
tried and determined f. Though the ealdermen 
would be respected for their age and experience, 
and their opinion would have considerable influence 

* In the Saxon version of the Scrip. Gen. xlv. 8. which 
states, that Joseph was appointed ruler over Egypt, the words are 
(( sette into ealdre over Egypta land." Caesar is called " cyninga 
yldest," the eldest king. Vid. Turner, Hist. Ang. Sax. Vol. IV. 
p. 10. 

f On account of the circumstance of all the burgesses forming 
the burgh-mote, this court is often called the fblk-gemote. 



HISTOR? OF PONTEFRACT. 43 

in the decision of the court, they do not appear to 
have had any legal authority above other burgesses. 

Any burgess, during this period, might be 
chosen burgh-reve. The duty of this magistrate 
consisted in keeping the peace; in calling the court 
of the burgh-mote, and presiding in it; in putting 
the sentence of the court in execution; and in 
collecting the rents due to the king or lord. 

The time for the meeting of the burgh-mote 
was fixed by the law, in the reign of Canute, This 
court was to be held at least three times every 
year. As all the burgesses together with the burgh- 
reve, formed the court, the manner of deciding 
causes was similar to what obtains in our present 
house of peers, where every peer sits in his own 
right on any judicial proceeding. The trial by 
a jury of twelve men did not generally obtain, but 
every freeman, if a burgess, was tried by the other 
burgesses his peers, whatever their number might 
be*. This mode of proceeding answered all the 
ends of substantial justice; and ultimately led to the 
grand assize, or trial by twelve honest and substan- 
tial men; the great palladium of British liberty. 

Whether the burghs possessed any political im- 
portance, whether they were in any way represented, 

* In the documents of the Anglo-Saxon period, which have 
come down to us, we find, that the principle of a man's being tried 
by his peers or equals was generally recognized and established. 
This appears in the laws of Web treed, " where the clergyman is 
to be acquitted by four of his equals, and the ceorlick by four of 
his own rank." Leg. Wiht. Wilk. p. 12. In case of plundering 
the dead, the law required the oath of forty-eight thanes to clear 
the accused. Leg. Inoe. Wilk. 27. These appear to be chosen 
from the shire-gemote, for the purpose of investigating the evi- 
dence of the fact, and whose verdict, like that of a modern jury 
was to be decisive. 



44. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

in the Saxon witena-gemote, or parliament, it is 
not possible now decisively to ascertain. What 
were the qualifications of such as attended this 
assembly; whether they attended in virtue of their 
own right, or whether as the representatives of other 
land proprietors, are questions which cannot now 
be satisfactorily answered. 

It has been supposed that the burgh-reve became 
the representative of the burgh in the gemote of 
the hundred, in the shire-gemote, and in the witena- 
gemote or Saxon parliament *. 

As the burgesses enjoyed various privileges, so 
the imposts to which they were subject were de- 
finite and easy. In the kings expedition every 
five hides of land f appear to have furnished one man; 

* St. Amand's Ess. On the legislative authority. Among 
the persons who sign to an act of the witena-gemote, at Clofeshoe, 
in 824-, is one who mentions the circumstance of his being chosen, 
" Ego Beonna electus consent, et subscrib." Astles MS. charters, 
No. 12. 

f As hides of land, oxgangs, and knights fees, will frequently 
occur, it may be necessary to give, once for all, a general expla- 
nation of these terms. 

A carucate of land, a plough-land, or a hide of land, is not of 
any certain content, but as much as a plough can by course of 
husbandry plough in a year, and may contain a messuage, wood, 
meadow, and pasture. The oxgang was invariably one eighth 
part of a carucate, whatever might be the number of acres contained 
therein. 

In Doomsday inquisition, the arable land is estimated in 
carucates, the pasture in hides, and the meadow in acres. — Skene 
makes the carucate the same as the hide of land. In a manuscript 
law book, written by Ambrose Cooper, Esq. a student in one of 
the Inns of court in the year 1579, it is laid down as a rule, that a 
hide of land consisted of a hundred and sixty acres, and was made 
up of the following parts:— ten acres make a ferundel or farding- 
deal, four ferundels a yard land, and four yard lands a hide, so four 
hides or six hundred andforty acres, made a knights fee. When a 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 45 

and the burghs a number proportioned to their 
population. Doomsday-book furnishes various in- 
stances of the number of men different burghs were 
to raise *. From the state of population in respect 
to other place, the burgh of Kirkby would not have 
above one man to raise and support ; a very mo- 
derate war-tax, if compared with that of the present 
imes; and particularly so, when it is considered that 
this^was the only tax the people had to pay \ 

knights fee was taxed at forty shillings, a yard land paid two 
shillings and sixpence, and so in proportion, so that six hundred and 
forty acres of land made one great knights fee, which paid for a 
relief one hundred shillings. Blount. A. T. 

Yet, notwithstanding the above account, the learned Selden 
asserts, that the quantity was doubtless uncertain. He agrees in 
the above general description of it, and his observation is certainly 
very just, that it must of necessity vary according to the nature 
of the soil, and custom of husbandry in every county. He also cites 
a record, which shews that it had been uncertain for ages before 
he wrote, which is from an old court book,of the manor of Cran- 
field, parcel of the possessions of the Abbey of Ramsay, where the 
homage at a court of survey, held there in the time of Henry III. 
said they did not know how many acres made a yard land, 
because, sometimes four hundred and eighty acres, and sometimes 
fewer made a yard land, and that four yard lands made a hide.— 
The measure of a carucate, appears to have differed in respect of 
place, as well as time. In the reign of Richard I. it was esti- 
mated at sixty acres, and in a charter of the same reign, at one 
hundred acres. In the time of Edward I. at one hundred and 
eighty acres ; and in the twenty-third Edward III. at Burcester, 
one hundred and twelve acres; and in Middleton, one hundred 
and fifty acres. The carucate plough-land or hide, in general, is 
estimated at one hundred acres. 

* Doomsday-book, con. Devon, Exeter, was to serve as for 
five hides of e. i. land, to raise one man. It is said of Berkshire, " if 
the king should send an army any where, only one soldier should 
go for five hides of land, and for his victuals and pay, every 
hide was to give him four shillings for two months." Com, 
Berokescire. 



46 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



SECTION IV. 

On the Norman Conquest, and the changes it pro- 
duced in this Borough. 

1 HE conquest, as it is called, of William, the 
bastard of Normandy, forms a distinguished era in 
the annals of Britain; and effected such changes 
in the government, laws, and institutions of this 
country, as entitle it to particular notice and at- 
tention. 

This event, so fatal to the independence, free- 
dom and happiness of the country, is closely con- 
nected with the influence the clergy had acquired; 
an influence founded on the blind submission of the 
lower, and in many instances of the higher orders 
of the state, to their usurped authority. From the 
munificence of kings and private individuals, they 
had not only acquired a competency, but enjoyed 
immense possessions. They had not only secured 
a tenth of the produce of the land, but had become 
the chief land proprietors ; and as power follows 
property, their influence in the state may easily be 
conjectured. Spelman observes, that in the time of 
William, all the land in the kingdom was divided 
into sixty thousand two hundred and fifteen knights 
fees-, and of these the church possessed twenty- 
eight thousand one hundred and fifteen, nearly one 
half of the kingdom. Although William had con- 
ferred some lands on the church for the pious ser- 
vices its dutiful sons had rendered to himself; the 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 47 

above fact will support the conclusion, that the 
clergy had acquired an influence in the state, dan- 
gerous to its liberties and independence. 

Property in the possession of lay persons, is 
not long stationary, but is ever circulating by 
means of the vices, marriages, or deaths of its 
possessors. But property devoted to the church, 
or clergy, as forming a spiritual corporation, which 
never dies, became inalienable ; so that this body 
appeared likely to realize in practice what they 
maintained in theory,- " That dominion is founded 
in grace." Property extorted from the hopes and 
fears of men in their departing moments, often at 
the expence of their dearest connections, was con- 
tinually encreasing the wealth of the church, which 
received all, but parted with nothing. 

At this period the clergy, separated from the 
vulgar by their general habits, and the sanctity of 
their calling, formed a kind of independent body 
in the state, subject to the bishops of Rome. 
These, on the establishment of Christianity in the 
empire, had acquired a dignity in the church equal 
to that of the city in which they resided. On the 
subversion of the empire, they artfully availed 
themselves of every circumstance to increase their 
power and acquire dominion : 'and were so success- 
ful that they appear to have perpetuated the autho- 
rity of the Caesars in the exercise of their spiritual 
power over the nations of Europe. William, who 
had no legal claim to the crown of England, applied 
to the bishop of Rome for his warrant, to seize it 
by force. This warrant was readily granted, and 
every pious son of the church was enjoined to aid 
and assist him in the enterprise. He collected an 
army, invaded England, and on the death of 



48 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Harold, at the battle of Hastings, took possession 
of the throne and kingdom. 

The Saxons, who were not inferior to the Nor* 
mans, either in prudence or courage, had to contend 
for near a century before they effected the conquest 
of the kingdom. What reason can be assigned, 
why one partial engagement should now decide the 
fate of the same kingdom ? The reason is obvious, 
the clergy betrayed the liberties and interests of 
their country. To have opposed William, would 
have been to have opposed the lord's anointed, 
After the battle of Hastings, they exerted all their 
influence to prevent the election of Edgar Atheling 
to the throne; and persuaded the citizens of London 
to open their gates, and give William the possession 
of the capital. 

For some little time William acted with lenity ; 
but as soon as his power was established, he threw off 
the mask and displayed the ferocity of his temper. 
The Saxon kings had enjoyed lands for the support 
of their crown and dignity. In the time of Edward, 
the crown lands consisted of one thousand four hun- 
dred and twenty-two manors, in different counties. 
In right of the crown these belonged to William. 
Not willing to alienate his own property to satisfy 
his needy followers, he soon found some occasion 
to murder or banish the Saxon nobles, and other 
inferior land proprietors, and gave their possessions 
to his friends. On Ilbert de Lacy he bestowed the- 
burgh of Kirkby, with all that immense territory 
included within the honour of Pontefract *. 

* The following is the account given of this burgh at the 
time of the Doomsday survey, and clearly establishes the above 
fact. — — 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 49 

Had the conquest only effected a change in the 
proprietors of land, it would soon have been for- 
gotten. But William, not content with rewarding 

iJjTn Tate shall, sunt. xvi. car tra? sine geldo. ubi poss. ee„ 
JL vim. car. Hoc 53 hb rex. Nc ht Ilbtus ibi. mi. car. et. lx. 
burgenses minutos. vn. coteros et xvi. uill. et. vin. bord. hntes 
xviii. car. Ibi. e. seccla et pbr. et 1. piscaria, et in. mold redd. 
xl 1 1. soL et in. ac pti. Silua past. .1. lev Ig. et dim lat. Tot m. 1. 
lev. et dim Ig. et dim lat. T.R.E. ual. xx. lib. m. xv. lib. Infra 
banc cera ctinet elemosina paupum. 

Ad eunde maner adiacet H Soca. Manestorp. Barnebi. 
Silchestone. Simul. v. car tree et dim ad gld. ubi poss. ee. v. 
car. Ibi. sunt ix. uilli. et. in. bord. hntes. nn. car. 

Doomsday-book, Vol. I. p. 316. 
The following remarks may explain this account: — The manor 
of Tateshall, is the present township of Tanshelf ; which, though 
not within the borough, forms a part of the present town of 
Pontefract. In the time of the Saxons, places derived their names 
from those who inhabited them ; but after the conquest, a custom 
the reverse of this prevailed, and persons derived their names from 
the place where they resided. Some one of the name of Tate 
enjoyed this manor under the king, and by connecting with his own 
name the term, Hall, or place of residence, gave denomination to it. 
The family name of Tate, with the addition of the Saxon Ha?n, 
home or ville, Tatham, continued in Tanshelf, till within a few 
years. Some of this family have been respectable for property, 
and were mayors of Pontefract. Tatham's yard is a name now 
given to some houses in Tanshelf, and which will probably per- 
petuate the name of this ancient Saxon family. The modern 
appellation seems derived from this, by an easy corruption in the 
pronunciation, as Tatshall, Tanshall, Tanshelf. 

The burgh of Kirkby is not mentioned by name, but is included 
as a part of the manor of Tateshall; and what follows unquestion- 
ably contains a description of its state at that period. In the Dooms- 
day survey, many places are omitted by name, either through haste 
or from some other cause, which are clearly described under some 
ether neighbouring district. 

The number of burgesses, together with those in a servile 
s{ate, amounts only to an hundred families ; and reckoning on an 
average, five to a family, the population of the place at that period, 
consisted only of five hundred persons, men, women and children. 
When we reflect on the bloody wars during the heptarchy ; on the 

H * 



^0 HISTOHY OF PONTEFRACT, 

his followers with the lands of the Saxon proprietors, 
he subverted the constitution, and introduced and 
established the feudal system 5 a system of organized 

Danish invasion, and the contests with the Conqueror, the thin 
State of population will excite no surprize. 

There is no thane or lord of Kirkby mentioned, As this 
survey goes back to Edward, and as in other places, the thanes 
and earls are specified as proprietors, does not this circumstance 
imply that it was then in the possession of the king ? 

The burgesses appear to have been chiefly mechanics and 
tradesmen, as only eighteen plough-lands were in possession of the 
burgesses and the servile. The carucate or plough-land, if 
estimated at 60 acres, the whole will give only 1080 acres, or 
about 10 to each person. The greater part of the land was culti- 
vated by persons in a servile condition. The Cotardi, were so 
called, because they dwelt in small huts or cottages, near to the 
mansions of their masters. They were persons, who had been 
instructed, by the direction of their owners, in some handicraft 
trade, as that of smiths, carpenters, &c. which they practiced for 
the benefit of their masters. The Bordarii, were a kind of upper 
domestic servants, who waited at table, (then called bord) and 
performed other offices in their masters houses. They resided in 
huts of their own, to which little gardens and parcels of land were 
annexed, as the fee or. reward of their services. The Villani, were 
predial slaves, who cultivated the inlands of their lords. 
Vid. Spelman Gloss, in voci. 

In this account it is remarkable, that nothing is said respecting 
the number of burgesses, the quantity of land in cultivation, or who 
enjoyed it, in the time of the Confessor. The only thing noticed 
is, that the value of this manor had decreased one fourth, being 
then worth twenty, and now only fifteen pounds. 

The whole quantity of land in cultivation, was thirty plough 
lands, in the hand of the burgesses and the servile, which at sixty 
acres, will make one thousand eight hundred acres. No waste lands 
were included in this survey. The land in the present township of 
Pontefract, according to Mr. Hepworth's survey, is two thousand 
one hundred and thirty one acres ; and as the townships of Tanshelf, 
Carlton, and Hardwick, were at the time of Doomsday survey, 
included within the manor of Tateshall, we may infer, that, not 
much above one third of the land was then cultivated. 

The wood which might be depastured, one mile long and a 
half brGad, most probably stretched along from the site of the 



HISTORY. OF PONTEFRACT. M 

tyranny and oppression. In this system the king is 
sole proprietor of all the land in the kingdom, and 
the only freeholder. He gives to his friends land 
to hold of him, on what condition he pleases; but 
most commonly on condition that they furnish him 
with a number of men proportioned to the extent 
of their estate. Those who thus obtained estates, 
are said to hold of the king in capite, and were 
called barons. These let off some portion of their 
estates on like conditions; and thus estates passed 
through all the various degrees of subinfeudation. 
The great body of freeholders were now deprived 
r)f their freeholds, and their land subjected to this 
new species of tenure. _ 

The burgesses of Kirkby became subject 
to Ilbert de Lacy, their feudal lord, and were de- 
prived of their most valuable rights and privileges. 
The right of choosing their own burgh-reve, and 
governing themselves according to law, was now 
taken from them. The burgh-mote gave place to 
the court baron, in which he presided, either per- 
sonally or by his constable. He, and not the bur- 
gesses, choose the burgh-reve*. They were called 

present town through Fryer-wood gardens to Carlton, and South 
Hardwick; on the side of which, the Roman road passed to 
Legeolium. 

The church has been already noticed, and the Alms-house for 
the poor is undoubtedly that of St. Nicholas. 

* The office of Burgh-reve, bailiff or constable, was put up 
to sale by the feudal proprietor, as appears by the first charter. 
Vid. App. Ch. 1. It is said, that the " burgesses should have the 
preference, if they would give as much for the office as others." 
When an office is purchased, the purchaser will always attempt to 
reimburse himself; and if the usual fees are not deemed sufficient, 
he will find some causes of complaint, in order to impose fines and 
obtain the sum wanted. When civil offices are put up to sale, 
justice and equity cannot be expected. 



52 HISTORY OF FONTEFRACT. 

burgesses, but deprived of their right as such; and 
the only privilege they appear lo have enjoyed, 
was, that as freemen they could not be sold like 
the servile. 

The burgesses now became subject to imposts 
and exactions, which were indefinite and arbitrary. 
The lord could tallage them at his pleasure ; nor 
had they any redress. If they had not submitted 
to pay as an aid what he demanded, they would have 
been deprived of their houses and tofts. They 
could neither buy nor sell without his permission ; 
nor was this permission granted without .some 
pecuniary fee, or impost, denominated lastage. 

A people who choose their own peace-officers 
can never be long oppressed; and William, by 
subjecting the burghs to feudal lords, put his finger 
on the great artery of the constitution, and by 
stopping the vital circulation, paralized and ex- 
tinguished civil freedom. The burgesses, by this 
event were stripped of all their immunities, and for 
a series of years, remained without rights, corpo^ 
rate privileges, or political consequence. 



The hostile chief, in conquest's laurels dress'd, 
Sporting the trophy'd car and pompous crestj, 
But little thinks, or, thinking, little cares, 
How hard the tenant of the cottage fares ; 
By him deprived of all his former toil, 
And left to starve upon the fruitful soil: 
Laughs at the churl, and revels o'er his wine, 
Whilst flatt'rers hail each fiend like deed divine? 



HISTORY OF PONTEERAQ'T, 5$ 



SECTION V. 

On the modem name of this Borough, and the 
building of the Castle. 

JtllSTORlANS have differed as much respecting 
the name as the origin of this place. The fictions 
of superstition and the reveries of a wild imagination, 
have been united together to account for it. Hume 
conjectured, that it derived its name from the fer- 
tility of its soil, and the excellent produce of its 
orchards. From Porno fero, he would make Pom- 
frete. This etymon would not be improbable, if 
this orthography was established; but is wholly 
inadmissable when it is considered, that in all the 
Latin charters, it is written Pontfractus, and not 
Pomfrete. 

Thomas de Castleford, who was bred a Bene- 
dictine monk, and who wrote the history of this 
place, accounts for its present name from the fok 
lowing miracle. William, Archbishop of York, 
and son of the sister of king Stephen, being on his 
return from Rome, was met by such crowds of people, 
who were desirous to see him and receive his blessing, 
that a wood bridge over the river Aire, near to this 
place, gave way and broke down; by which acci-r 
dent vast numbers fell into the river. The bishop, 
who had been invested with the pall *, and who was 

* The pall which popes were accustomed to send to archbishops, 
is an ornament worn on their shoulders. It is made of Iambs wool, 
and spotted with purple crosses, and is considered as a token of 
their spiritual authority and jurisdiction; 



54 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACf. 

deemed to have an interest equally as great in the 
court of heaven, as in the Vatican, affected at the 
danger of so many persons, poured out his prayers 
with such fervour and success, that not one perished. 
"Whether this miracle consisted in dividing the 
stream, or in rendering the gross bodies of those 
who fell in, specifncally lighter than the fluid, we 
are not informed; and to reason or form conjectures 
on so mysterious a point, would be equally vain 
and impertinent. To perpetuate so striking and so 
signal a miracle, the pious Normans, says Thomas, 
gave the name of Pontefract, or Broken-bridge, to 
this place*. 

It is unfortunate for the credit of this story, 
that the topography of the miracle (indulge me in 
the expression) has been disputed. The metropolis 
of the county, York, contends with us for- the 
honour of it. Drake maintains that the bridge over 
the Ouse fell in, and that it was there the miracle 
was wrought f. It must be acknowledged there is 
stronger proof of its belonging to York, than to 
this place, as Gent describes a representation of it 
painted in a window of a church near to which it 
happened. 

What wholly destroys the credit of this legend, 

* Polydore Virgil is the first who hath related this story, 
^nd Thomas implicitly follows him, though acknowledged to be, 
an author of small credit. Thomas, in the genuine spirit of a monk, 
solely intent on the honour of the place where he resided, recites 
Polydore without noticing Brompton and Stubs, who refer it to the 
city of York. 

f " The saint seeing the accident made the sign of the cross 
over the river, and addressed himself to God with many tears. 
All ascribed to the efficacy of his prayer, the miraculous preser- 
vation of the multitude, especially of the children, who all escaped 
out of the water unhurt." Burton's Lives of the Saints. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 55 

is, that this town was called Pontefract half a cen- 
tury before St. William was made Archbishop of 
York. In the charters granted by Robert de Lacy, 
commonly called Robert de Pontefract, to the 
monks of St. John the Evangelist, it is stiled both 
Kirkby and Pontfract. — The words are " De 
Dominio sno de Kirkby, et deo et Sancti Johanni 
et Monachis meis de Pontfract." The first of 
wfaich charters Robert says he made by the advice 
of Thomas Archbishop of York, and the second 
was signed by Thomas Archbishop of York, which 
must have been the first archbishop of that name, 
as Robert de Lacy died in the seventh of Henry I. 
anno 1 107, and the second Thomas did not succeed 
to that see till the ninth of that reign. St. William, 
to whom this miracle is attributed, was not in pos- 
session of the see of York till the year 1153 ; from 
which it is evident that this town was called Pon- 
tefract, at least, fifty-two years before the above 
miracle is pretended to have been performed. 

The opinion of a respectable antiquarian 

that the name Pontefract. was originally given to 

Castleford, and that on the decay of the place, the 

inhabitants having fled here, gave the same name 

to their new abode, is equally unfounded and 

unsatisfactory. There is no evidence that a bridge 

had been built at Castleford, at so early a period > 

but on the other hand, its very name implies, that 

on account of the breadth of the stream it w T as 

fordable. When the navigation was cut, the old 

Roman road was found some feet below the surface 

of the ground, shelving down towards the bed of 

the river. From this circumstance it is evident, 

that no bridge was there in the time of the Romans; 

. ahd the following fact proves there was none pre- 



56 HISTORY 01" PONTEFRAClV 

vious to the conquest. Mortimer informs lis that 
William the Conqueror* in the year 1070, receiving 
intelligence of great devastations committed in the 
north by the Danes, and the Northumbrian rebels, 
levied a formidable army, at the head of which he 
marched towards the kingdom of Northumberland, 
of which Yorkshire was a part, vowing in the fury 
of his wrath, that, " by the splendor of God's face" 
(his usual oath) he would not leave a Northumbrian 
alive to stir up future insurrections. On his march 
into Yorkshire he took Nottingham in his way, 
but when he came to Pontfret, or Pontefract (be- 
fore this called Kirkbv) he found that the enemy 
had broken down the bridge over the Aire at Ferry- 
bridge, and the waters being at that time swelled, 
he despaired of being able to pass the river for a 
considerable time. He had waited three weeks 
with the greatest impatience, when one of his Nor- 
man knights called Lisois (probably the same per- 
son afterwards called Lacy, on whom he bestowed 
the town) discovered a ford, by which William and 
his army passed the river. 

Other historians assert, that the name is derived 
from the decay of an old bridge, which had been, 
formerly built over an aqueous and marshy place, 
near to which the old town principally stood. Le- 
land says, " the ruines of such a bridgyet ys seene 
scant half a mile est owt of old Pontfract, but I 
cannot justely say that this bridge stoode ful on 
Watheling streete;" for the want of which the road 
was often impassable to travellers, till proper chan- 
nels were made for the use of two mills, one called 
the upper mill, and the other the lower, or Bond- 
gate mill*. 

* The upper mill was situate within a few paces of the north 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 57 

The principal part of the town formerly lay- 
round the castle, and the place where the town now 
stands was a wood. Leland says, " the fairest parte 
of Pontefract standith on the toppe of the hille 
wher was after the conquest a chapel with a few 
sparkeled houses. The chapel was caulled St. Leo- 
nardes in the frithe (wood), and as I can learne 
this part of the town was called Kirkeby." 

Cambden says " Saxonicis ternporibus Kirkby 
vocabatur, sed Normanni a fracto Ponte, Gall ice 
Pontfract nommarunt," It was customary with 
the Normans to call their towns and villages after 
the names of bridges, and this might induce them 
to do so in England; but as there is not a river 
within two miles of this place, and before the drains 
were made, the wash was not only supplied from 
the high springs, but frequently heightened by ex- 
cessive rains, it must consequently have been here 
that the said bridge was built, and came to decay, 
which gave the present appellation to this ancient 
borough. And this is rendered the more probable, 
because by an inquisition taken in the reign of 
Edward II. it appears that one John Bubwith held 
the eighteenth part of a knight's fee, " Juxta vete- 
rem Pontem de Pontfract,' ' and a place at this day 
called Bubwith-house terminates this wash ; so that 
it is presumed it must be this bridge, which being 
broken down, gave occasion to the Norman lord 
to change the name of this town from Kirkby to 
Pontefract. That this must have been the situa- 
tion is the more apparent, when we consider that 

east corner of the castle, and Is now in a ruinous state ; the lower 
was situated near the wash, about six hundred yards below the 
castle, and was internally demolished in the year 17CG, the mate- 
rials sold, and the large dam filled up and converted into a meadow. 



58 HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT, 

before the late alteration of the roads, by which 
the stream called the Wash is now confined to a 
narrow channel, upon any violent rains or sudden 
thaw, it so swelled and overflowed as to be scarce 
passable, particularly before the drains were made 
from hence to the river. Nor does there * appear 
from the high situation of the town to have been 
any necessity for a bridge elsewhere. 

Such are the varying opinions respecting the 
name of this place. The last seems most probable 
and supported by the clearest evidence. The 
orthography of the name in the latin charters, 
would induce the belief, that it must refer to the 
breaking of some bridge 3 and as there is no other 
place near the town where a bridge was built but 
over the wash, the breaking down of this must have 
given name to the place. But as names are arbitra- 
tory, and frequently imposed from mere whim and 
caprice, or from accidental circumstances, which 
in many instances are not handed down, no cer- 
tain conclusion can be made; and we must remain 
satisfied with what is most probable. 

The castle is supposed to be of Saxon origin; 
and the site of it is perfectly agreeable to their mode 
of fortification. While the Homans formed their 
camps on a plain, or on the level ground, and de- 
fended them by afoss and a vallum, the Saxons rais- 
ed the area of their camps and castles, if the ground 
was level, or selected hills as places best adapted 
for defence and security. The elevated rock, 
on which the castle is built, stands wholly insulated, 
its sides originally steep and craggy, forms one of 
those appearances, which indicate some great con- 
vulsion of nature, by which rocks have been rent 
assunder, and the various strata of earth washed 



HISTORY OF PO'NTEFRACT. . 50 

away. A site like this, without much trouble or 
expence, might soon be converted into a keep or 
castle; and it is not probable that the Saxons would 
neglect it during the period of their dominion. In 
support of this opinion, since the demolition of the 
castle, it has been found that the keep of the great 
round tower stood upon a raised hill of stiff hard 
clay, of which materials the Saxons usually made 
their keeps. 

After the conquest, Ilbert de Lacy having recei- 
ved a grant of the place, and in the tenth of William, 
all his vast possessions being confirmed to him, he 
soon after began to erect the castle. This noble 
structure cost immense expence and labour, and 
no one, unless in possession of a princely revenue 
could have completed it. This formidable fortress 
and magnificent palace was carried forward for the 
space of twelve years, with unremitting attention, 
and in the year 10S0 was finished. Ilbert de Lacy, 
when he laid the foundation-stone of the castle, 
called the name of the town Pontfrete, because 
the situation, as he conceived, resembled the place 
so called in Normandy, where he was born *. 

* Vid. M. S. Fed. of T. Wilson, in Biblioth, Leed. This 
authority is deserving of more credit, as T. W. copied from 
Hopkinson, who transcribed whatever was valuable from the re- 
cords of the castle, previous to its demolition. 



*0 



HISTORY GF PONTEFRACT. 



SECTION VI. 

The history and pedigree of the Lacies, Lords of 
Pontefract, till the failure of the male line, and 
the union of this family with Thomas Planlagenet, 
Earl of Lancaster. 

J. HE noble family of the Lacies came in with the 
Conqueror; and if we are allowed to judge from 
the extent of their possessions, they enjoyed a con- 
siderable degree of his favour. Ilbert* received 
the gift of one hundred and fifty manors, or the 
greatest part of so many in the west of Yorkshire, 
ten in Nottinghamshire, and four in Lincolnshire. 
These possessions were confirmed to him in the 
tenth of William f. 

William the Conqueror, after a turbulent and un- 
quiet reign of twenty years, departed this life; and 
as his eldest son Robert, who had rebelled against 
him during his own life, was heir to the Duke- 
dom of Normandy, he sent William to England 
previous to his death, desirous, that he might en- 
joy the British throne. William succeeded, by the 
favour of Lanfrank, the Archbishop of Canterbury, 
and Eudes, his fathers steward, who delivered to 
him all the royal treasures, and secured the cinque 

* His brother Walter, received considerable possessions as a 
reward for his services, in Herfordshire and other counties. He 
died before the survey, and all his estates had devolved to his eldest 
son Roger, who enjoyed one hundred and twenty lordships. Vid. 
Doomsday, Herf. 

f Dudg. 99, This account agrees with the Hopk. MS, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 61 

ports in his interest. As he expected his right to the 
throne would be disputed by his brother Robert, 
he endeavoured to ingratiate himself by every act 
of popularity. He courted the English, and they 
became strongly attached to his interests, and reso- 
lute to maintain his cause against all opposers. 
He confirmed the grants made by his father to the 
Norman barons, of alJ the lands they held, that 
they might be secure in the possession of their pro- 
perty. Among others, Ilbert de Lacy obtained a 
confirmation of all the customs belonging to the 
castle and honour of Pontefract, as he had enjoyed 
them during the former reign. He founded the 
collegiate chapel of St. Clement, in the castle; and 
dying soon after the accession of William Rufus to 
the throne, left his vast possessions to his eldest son 
Robert *, called Robert de Pontefract, from the 
circumstance of his being born here. 

William Rufus, confirmed to this Robert all 
the lands ©f which his father died seized; and he 
appears to have acquired the lordship of Blackburn- 
shire, now one of the hundreds, in the county of 
Lancaster, bordering on his own estates in Yorkshire, 
from Roger de Busli, and Albert de Greslet, and 

* He left a younger son called Hugh ; but according to the 
law of primogeniture, the whole estates went to Robert. This law 
was introduced into Europe by the feudal system ; and was essential 
to the support of it. The Saxon law of gavel-kind, the original law 
of all nations, by which a father's property, whatever it was, was 
equally divided among ail his children, was abolished, as incompati- 
ble with duties imposed by this system; The clergy had laboured 
much to introduce the canon law, which sanctioned primogeniture, 
as divinely appointed ; and as this harmonized with the feudal sys- 
tem, it became at length firmly established. If the law of primo- 
geniture be examined, it appears to have no foundation in reason 
or equity ; and could never have obtained in society, but in con- 
nection with the factitious system which required personal service 
to be rendered to the king, for the lands held of him. 



62 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

to have held it under them *. He founded the 
priory of St. John the Evangelist here, and was a 
great benefactor to the hospital of St. Nicholas. He 
is said to have added greatly to the strength and 
beauty of the castle. 

On the death of Rufus, by the fortunate arrow 
of Walter Tyrel, Henry, the youngest son of the 
Conqueror, had interest sufficient to gain possession 
of the throne. Robert, Duke of Normandy, who 
in the true spirit of the age, had joined his forces 
to the first crusade, and had contributed essentially 
to rescue the holy city, Jerusalem, from the infidel 
Mahometans, was now absent ; and notwithstand- 
ing it had been agreed by William Rufus, that if 
Robert outlived him, he should succeed to the 
throne, Henry was solemnly crowned. What he 
had thus acquired, Henry endeavoured to retain, 
by conciliating the affections of the people. He 
punished the instruments of his late brothers op- 
presion; he rectified the abuses of government, 
and secured the regular administration of justice. 
He revived the laws of king Edward, and granted 
a charter of liberties, according to which his go- 
vernment was to be regulated, 

Robert, on his return to Normandy, made pre- 
parations for putting his claim to the crown of Eng- 
land to the decision of the sword. He collected a 
body of troops, and having crossed the channel, 
landed at Portsmouth. Although the barons had 
taken the oath of allegiance to Henry, and he had 
not given them the least cause for complaint, many 
joined Duke Robert, and among the chief of these 
was Robert de Pontefract f. 

* At the time of the survey, these are mentioned as the tenants 
in capite. Vid. Whit. Whailey. 

f It is difficult to assign any reason sufficient to justify the 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. G3 

Henry marched against Robert with the utmost 
dispatch, resolved to give him battle. The two 
armies approached and faced each other for several 
days without coming to action. During this state 
of awful suspense, some common friends of both 
interposed and effected an accommodation, on 
condition that Robert should resign all claim to 
the crown, unless Henry should die without issue ? 
and for which he should receive an annual pension 
of three thousand marks. It was also stipulated 
that those nobles who had joined Duke Robert, 
should be indulged with pardon, and the full resto- 
ration of all their lands and estates, to which Henry 
very readily consented. 

Promises made in a time of danger are often 
forgot in a season of security and peace; and 
Henry no sooner saw the storm which had threatened 
him dispersed, than he began to shew his resent- 
ment to Robert de Pontefract and his son Ilbert, 
and the several nobles who had taken part with his 
brother. 

A brave man knows no malice, but at once 
Forgets in peace the injuries of war, 
And gives his direst foe a friend's embrace. 

According to Dagdale*, Henry banished Robert 
de Lacy, and his son Ilbert the realm, seized the 
castle and honour of Pontefract, and gave them to 
Henry Traverse. Whatever might be the gratifi- 

conduct of the barons. It is probable they were governed by 
motives of personal interest. As most of them had large estates 
in Xormandy, they apprehended that if Robert held Normandy, 
without being raised to the British throne, he would deprive them of 
the estates they had there. Their design appears to have been to 
have united the two crowns in one person, that they might se- 
cure their possessions in both countries Vid. Littl. Henry II. 
* Bar. v. 1. p. 99. 



64t HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

cation H. Traverse might feel on this advancement 
to power, wealth, and dignity, he was permitted 
to enjoy it only for a few days. One Pain, a 
wicked servant of his own, whether intentionally or 
accidentally is not clear, mortally wounded him; 
after which, to atone for his crime, he became a 
monk, and died three days afterwards. 

This circumstance did not tend to the benefit 
or restoration of Robert de Lacy. The king on the 
demise of Traverse, bestowed his castle and lands 
on Hugh Del aval, who enjoyed them for some time. 

During Delaval's temporary possession of the 
castle and honour of Pontefract, he made several 
grants of churches to different religious houses. 
He bestowed on the priory of St. John here, the 
church of Whalley * ; and gave lands to the priory 
of Nostel f. 

Dugdale gives a confused account of Robert de 
Lacy, and informs us, he was never restored to his 
possessions, but died in exile; that his son Ilbert 
was treated with the same severity, and experienced 
the same fate, — that Henry, the son of Ilbert, 
after the death of king Henry I. taking advantage 
of the troubled state of the kingdom, in the be- 
ginning of Stephen's reign, returned, — expelled 
Delaval from the castle of Pontefract, and took 
possession of it as his lawful patrimony. He cor- 
rects the above statement, on the authority of an 
old historian, who averred, that Ilbert, the son of 
Robert, was restored during the reign of Henry 
I. and who calling to mind the sufferings of his 
father, strenuously supported the cause of king 
Stephen, with whom he obtained great favour, 

* Vid. Whit. Whalley. 

f Burton, Monastioon Ebor. 304. Whitaker, Wh. 
Vol. I. 140. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 6a 

The above account is unquestionably inaccurate. 
Indubitable evidence can be produced, that Robert 
de Lacy, after a few years exile, was restored to 
all his estates and honours. We find him con- 
firming some of the grants of churches, made by 
Delaval during his possession*. He built the castle 
of Clitheroe, previous to his exile. This may be 
fairly inferred from the circumstance, that it did 
not exist at the time of the survey, and Delaval, 
during his possession, granted a charter, under the 
dependencies of the church of Whalley, of the 
capellam Sci. Michaelis in Castro de Clyderhow. 

Robert de Lacy, called also de Pontefract, died 
in the latter part of Henry I. reign, and left two 
sons, Ilbert and-Henry; the first of which iaherited 
all his vast estates f . 

On the accession of Stephen, 1135, Earl of 
Boulogne to the throne, the friends of Matilda, 
the daughter of Henry, who had married to her 
second husband Geoffry Platagenet, Count of 
Anjou, made various attempts to obtain for her the 
crown as her just inheritance. Ilbert de Lacy 
espoused the cause of Stephen, and greatly contri- 

* Vid. Burton, Mon. Eb. in Nostel. The following are 
grants and confirmations between these parties, 

CHURCHES. GRANTORS. CONFIRMATIONS. 

Batley, Robert de Lacy, Hugh Delaval, Hen. 1. Alex. 3 

South Kirkby, Hugh Delaval, Robert de Lacy, 

Featherston, Hugh Delaval, Robert de Lacy, Step. Alex. 3, 

Huddersfield, Hugh Delaval, Robert de Lacy, do. 

Rothwell, do. do. 

Warmiield, do. do. do. 

f The Townley MS. pedigree of this family, mentions a 
Gilbert Lacy as the successor of Robert ; but as this disagrees 
with the pedigree taken from the hospital of Pontefract, with that 
of the Lacies of Cromwelbottom, and others, jt appears to be arj 
error. W. MS. 

K * 



66 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

buted to his success and triumph over David, king 
of Scotland, uncle to Matilda, who, to support her 
pretentions, entered the northern parts of England, 
with a formidable army, and penetrating as far as 
Northalerfon, ravaged the country, and wantonly 
murdered the inhabitants. 

Stephen was at this time engaged in quelling 
an insurrection in the south, headed by the Earl of 
Gloucester; he therefore appointed Thurston, Arch- 
bishop of York, assisted by Ralph, Bishop of 
Durham, his lieutenant of the north of England. 
On their arrival in Yorkshire, they represented to 
the barons and principal inhabitants, the indispen- 
sable necessity of raising troops, and exerting their 
united efforts, to repel the invaders. 

Animated by the presence of this gallant and 
martial archbishop, they unanimously embarked in 
the common cause of liberty, and assembled their 
troops under the command of William, Earl of 
Albermarle, assisted by Robert cle Lacy, Robert 
de Ferrers, Walter Espec, Roger de Mowbray, and 
other northern barons, determined to stand or fall 
hy one another. They advanced as far as North- 
Alverton (Northallerton) in Yorkshire, where they 
drew up in order, expecting the enemy, and where 
the venerable Thurston had caused to be erected a 
famous standard, at the top of which was placed a 
silver cross, and under this the banners of St 
Peter, St. John of Beverley, and St. Wilfred of 
Ripon, from whence the battle that ensued was 
called the battle of the Standard. The English 
forces were drawn up in a firm compact body 
round the standard, when Ralph* Bishop of Dur- 
ham (Thurston as that time being ill) made a suit- 
able oration, and absolved from sin all such as should 



HISTORY OF PONTEFIIACT. 67 

be slain in battle. Thus encouraged they fell upon 
the Scots with such bravery that they totally routed 
them, killing ten thousand upon the field of battle,. 
The place where this battle was fought, which was 
on the twenty-second of August, is called Standard- 
hill to this day*. 

llbert de Lacy, after the above battle, obtained 
a pardon on behalf of all his servants, and for all 
forfeitures whatsoever f. He married Alice, daugh- 
ter of Gilbert de Gant, a benefactress to the 
monastry here. 

Amidst the confusion of Stephen's reign, in 
which, the greatest barons changed sides as interest 
or caprice might lead, llbert continued faithfully 
attached to the king. Whether he outlived Stephen, 
or died before him, we are not informed. As he 
had no children by Alice de Gant, his estates 
came to his brother Henry. 

The sudden death of Stephen left Henry, the 
son of Matilda, without a competitor for the crown. 
Though young, Henry II. possessed talents equal 
to the arduous duties of government. He had the 
wisdom to select for his ministers, some of the best 
statesmen in the kingdom ; and instead of banishing 
those nobles who had been faithful to Stephen, he 
had the greatness of mind to overlook this fault, 
and to raise them to places of trust and honour. 
Henry de Lacy received from him a confirmation 
of his whole honour of Pontefract, with a charter 

* See a correct account of this important victory in Littleton's 
history, Henry II. 

f This llbert, with the consent of his brother Henry, gave the 
mill and land at Campsall to the knights templar of St. John, of 
Jerusalem, as appears from the original grant in the possession of 
Burton, W. MS. 



6* 



HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. 



for an annual fair, to be held there, and to begin 
on St. Giles' day, the first of Sept. (O. S ) and to 
continue eight days following. 

Henry de Lacy, in pursuance of a vow he had 
made during a painful and dangerous indisposition, 
founded the monastry of St. Mary, at Bernoldswick, 
in Craven, He assigned over this town, which he 
held of Hugh Bigot, Earl of Norfolk, at the yearly 
rent of five marks, and a present of a hawk, to 
the monastry. The Scots having ravaged the lands 
belonging to the monks, and other unfavourable 
circumstances occuring, induced them to seek a 
more safe and fertile retreat. Alexander, the abbot, 
travelling along the banks of the Aire, came to a 
woody spot, where some anchorites had fixed their 
humble habitation. The site of the place pleased 
the abbot ; and he persuaded his patron, Henry de 
Lacy, to remove the monastry from Bernoldswick 
to Kirkstall. Henry obtained a grant of the land 
from William of Poitou, and founded the once 
magnificent abbey of Kirkstall, near Leeds. 

At his death *, in the latter part of Henry II. 
reign, he was succeeded by his son and heir Robert 
de Lacy. He was one of the barons who attended 
at the coronation of Richard I. and dying without 
issue, in the twelfth kal. Feb. 1193; the estates 
and honour of Pontefract descended to Awbrey de 
Lisours. She was his sister by the mother's side, 
who was the daughter of Eudo de Lisours, by 
Awbrey his wife, who was the widow of his father 
Henry, and therefore his nearest relation. Awbrey 
claimed as her right, not only the barony of Pon- 
tefract, but all the lands of Robert, by virtue of a 

* He was buried in the abbey of KirkstaH. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 69 

grant from Henry de Lacy to Awbrey, her mother*. 
She also as heiress 10 her father's large possessions 
was immensely rich; and by marrying Richard Fitz 
Eustace, constable of Chester, and baron of Hal- 
ton, enjoyed a rank equal to her ambition. Richard 
Fitz Eustace, having died before Robert de Lac}', 
the estates of both noble families came to John. 
John animated by the spirit of the times, joined 
Richard in the third crusade, together with his 
eldest son Roger. Whether he fell by the hand of 
the enemy, or by the fatigues and changes of 
climate, is uncertain ; but he is said to have died 
at Tyre, in the land of Judeaf, 

Roger, his eldest son, who had accompanied 
him in this expedition, now became entitled to 
all his estates. Fie continued with Richard I. and 
contributed to the success of his arms against the 
Mahometans. He was present at the memorable 
siege of Acre, which, after an obstinate defence, 
was surrendered to British valour J. 

Roger was accompanied in this crusade by 
William Bellamonte, ancestor of the Beaumonts of 
Whitley, near Fluddersfield, to whom, after his 
return, he gave eight oxgangs of land at Fludders- 
field, and who appears to have been his inseparable 

* Saxaginta Feoda Militum (of the honour of Pontefract) undo 
ilia post Roberti de Lacy mortem utramque Hereditatem, frater- 
nam de Lacy et Paternam de Lisours occupavit." 

f He left issue by Alice de Mandeville, Roger, Richard, and 
Peter. 

X See Whitaker Wh. It is amusing to consider, that this 
same Acre, where English and French, although not much better 
friends than now, united their forces to combat Saladin, and where 
so many of both nations perished, should, after a lapse of seven 
hundred years, become again memorable by the gallant defence 
©f Sir Sydney Smith, and the repulse of Bonaparte. 



70 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

companion ever after, as he generally attests the 
charters which Roger granted. 

Chester, being contiguous to Wales, often suf- 
fered greatly from the incursions of the hardy moun- 
taineers of that country. Although the kings of 
Wales, did homage to the kings of England, and paid 
an annual acknowledgment, they were ever ready to 
rush forth and plunder the adjoining districts. 
Koger Fitz Eustace, fierce in his temper, and in- 
nnred to a state of warfare, repelled their aggres- 
sions, and treated them with such severity, that they 
surnamed him, Hell*. 

He was the first of his family who took upon 
him the name of Lacy, and in the fifth of Richard 
I. he came to an agreement with Awbrey his grand- 
mother, for all the lands belonging to the honour 
of Pontefract ; and by a fine levied at Westminster, 
before H. Archbishop of Canterbury, W. Bishop 
of Eli, Chancellor to the king, and others, she quit 
claimed to him all the lands which did belong to 
Robert de Lacy. In the same year Roger granted a 
charter to the burgesses of Pontefract f . He also 
granted to those burgesses who had lands in the 
moor J one hundred and ninety-four acres, to hold, 

* " There is evidently something allusive to the temper and 
achievments of Roger de Lacy, in his great seal, some drawings of 
which have been preserved. On the obverse side, instead of the 
equestrian figure, usual in that situation, is the spirited figure of a 
griffon grinding the body of some other animal ; and on the en- 
dorsement, an armed man trampling on the body of an enemy, 
whose head he holds up triumphantly with his right hand, while 
the left sustains an antique heater shield." Whit. Wh. Vol. 1. 142. 

f Vid, App. Charters. No. 1; 

J Where did this lie ? Is it not the land now called the West- 
field ? This w r as a common field in which the burgesses had sepa- 
rate lands, till within late years ; and what establishes the fact is, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 71 

to them and their heirs for ever, paying to him and 
his heirs, at the feast of St. Michael, fourpence per 
acre annual rent. 

In the sixth of Richard I. he answered £k5. 
Ids. for the scutage then levied, on account of the 
king's redemption. While the feudal system con- 
tinued, the military tenents, were obliged, in case 
the lord of whom they held was taken prisoner, to 
contribute, in proportion to their land, towards his 
ransom. .Richard I. returning from the third cru- 
sade, and willing to take the nearest rout home, 
travelled incognito through Germany. He was 
however recognized, and the emperor treacherously 
seized him, and detained him a prisoner. To 
obtain his ransom the above scutage was levied. 

In the seventh of Richard I. he paid a fine of 
two thousand marks to the king, for livery of all 
his lands and castles belonging to the barony and 
honour of Pontefract, except the castle of Ponte- 
fract, w T hich the king now retained in his own hands- 
Are we to consider the above fine as '-he relief 
which Roger paid for admittance to his estates? 1£ 
we are, it is certainly exorbitant *, and affords 
one, among many other proofs of the tyranny and 

that some proprietors of land here, now pay to the mayor four- 
pence per acre, as being the lord of the manor. What origin can 
be assigned of this tenure, if it did not spring from this charter? 

* The mark is estimated at thirty shillings, and the fine now 
levied would amount to three thousand pounds. When the compa- 
rative value of money is considered, this sum then, would be equal 
to thirty thousand pounds now. In the reign of William the Con- 
queror, and down to Richard I. commodities were on an average 
ten times cheaper than they are at present. Bishop Fleetwood 
has shewn that in the year 1240, four pounds thirteens shillings and 
ninepence was worth fifty pounds of our present money." Ency. 
in. mon. 



72 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

oppression of the feudal system. For as the king 
thus arbitrarily fined the tenants in capite, on enter- 
ing into possession of their baronies and honours; 
the barons imposed fines in like manner on all their 
under-tenants; and nearly the whole land of the 
kingdom was subject to a tenure, in many respects 
similar to the worst of our modern tenures, that of 
holding by copy of court-roll, usually called copy- 
hold. 

By detaining the castle of Pontefract in his own 
hands, Richard appears, either to have doubted 
the fidelity of Roger de Lacy, or to have kept it 
for the purpose of extorting from him another sum 
of money. 

On the death of Richard I. and the accession 
of his brother John, Roger de Lacy had livery of 
all the lands and castles belonging to him. As 
John's title to the crown might he disputed by 
Arthur, Duke of Bretagne, he like most of Wil- 
liam's successors, began his reign by conciliating the 
barons. He did not admit Roger de Lacy to possess 
his estates till he had agreed to pay five hundred marks, 
and to give his son and heir as an hostage for his 
future fidelity. It appears however that Roger de 
Lacy had not paid the five hundred marks in the 
fourth of John, as he then came to a new agree- 
ment to pay the whole by instalments, of a hundred 
marks per annum, and to give the king annually, 
ten palfrys, and ten lease of greyhounds. 

When king John had most wickedly put to death 
Prince Arthur, his nephew, and who was the real 
heir to the throne, a general defection of his barons 
in Normandy, and other foreign provinces, took 
place; and Philip king of France took them under 
his protection, and assisted them in their enterpises. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 73 

The principal castles in Normandy had been surren- 
dered io Philip; and John, instead of repelling the 
enemy, conscious of his own crimes and of theabhor- 
ence of the Normans, shamefully fled to England. 
The only place which made any resistance to the arms 
of Philip and the barons, was Chateau-Gaillard, 
in the Vexin. This place was bravely defended by 
Roger de Lacy, for the space of six months, against 
all the power of Philip; and when Roger de Lacy 
was compelled to surrender, he was treated with 
great respect, and allowed to live at liberty in Paris 
upon his parole, but he could not obtain his release 
until he had paid six thousand marks for his ransom. 

Roger de Lacy, after having obtained his liberty, 
was actively employed in arranging his own private 
concerns; and in the sixth scutage of John, he 
answered for forty three knights-fees and a half. He 
died October 1, 1211, and was interred in the 
abbey of Stanlow, leaving by Maude de Clare his 
wife, a daughter married to GeoiTry, dean of 
Whalley ; and John de Lacy who succeeded to his 
possessions. 

At this period the oppressions, cruelties and 
crimes of the king, had incensed the whole kingdom 
against him. Every one secretly wished his deposi- 
tion; and some avowed their wish, that such a pest 
to society and scourge to the nation, might be 
removed. While men's minds were thus agitated, 
Peter de Pontefract, commonly called the zvise 
hermit, on account of his various predictions of seve- 
ral strange things, which were to come to pass, 
prophesied openly of king John, and said, u that 
on the ascension day following, there should be no 
king, and that the crown on that day should be 
translated to another." The king hearing thereof, 

T * 



74 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT; 

commanded the hermit to be brought before him, and 
on his arrival, the king demanded whether he should 
die on that day ? or in what manner he should be 
deprived of his crown ? The hermit answered, " know 
this most certainly, that at that day thou shalt not 
be king, and if I should be found a lier, then doe 
with me what ye will." On which the king replied, 
" it shallbeeeven so as thou hast saide," and instantly 
ordered him into prison there to be kept till the time *, 

* " According to M. Paris, his prediction was, " that John 
should not be king the next Ascension-day, nor afterwards, but 
that the crown of England should on that day be transferred to 
another." The original runs thus ; " Sub his quoque diebus, erat 
in pfovincia eboracensi, heremita quidam Petrus nomine, qui eo 
quod multis futura multa praedixerat, sapiens dicebatur. Hie, in* 
ter alia quae spiritu prophetiae tactus videratde rege Johanne; palam 
coram cunctis astantibus, illud praedicando publice aserebat : Quod 
nonforet rex in die dominicce Ascensionis proxime sequentis* nee de- 
inceps : sed die ilia coronam Anglice ad alium transferri prcedixit. 
Cujus assertio cum ad regis notitiam devenisset, et, ipso jubente, 
ad ejus praesentiam adductus fuisset, quaesixit ab eo rex ; si die illo 
esset moriturus, vel quo ordine a regni solio privaretur ; Qui res - 
pondit ; N over ids certissime quod die pr&dicta rex non eris, Et si 
de mendacio convictusfuero, de me quod placuerit faciatis. Cui 
rex, fiat, inquit, secundum verbum tuum. Tunc rex tradidit ilium 
Willielmo de Harecurt, custodiendum, quern idem Willielmus, 
custodibus et arctioribus vinculis constrictum, apud corricum incar- 
ceravit, donee probaret quern exitum res haberet." Matt. Par. 
p. 195. 

Wikes treats this hermit as an impostor for pretending to the 
knowledge of future events, which our author says belongs to God 
only ; ascribes his popularity to the ignorance of the vulgar; and 
represents him as foretelling expressly, that John should die in the 
fourteenth year of his reign. His words are too remarkable to be 
omitted. " Eisdem temporibus erat qu idem laicus in Anglia, no- 
mine Petrus de Pun/ret quern vulgo Petrum sapientem anglice nun- 
cupabant, cui laicorum rusticaria simpiicitas, pro eo quod multa 
praedixeral, quae postea rei exitus approbavit, prophetias spiritum 
asserebat inesse, tribuens ei praescientiam futurorum, quce^ secun- 
dum fldeni catholicam soli deo creditur ascribenda; diu autem 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 75 

predicted was expired. In the mean lime, the pope 
had excommunicated the king, and laid the king- 
dom under an interdiction, which obliged the king 
to resign his crown and dominions into the pope's 
hands, which he did by charter; dated the 15th of 
May, (being the ascension day) in the fourteenth 
year of his reign to Pandolph the pope's vicegerent, 
who kept the crown four or five days, by which the 
hermit's prediction was in some measure fulfilled, 
but as it was the king's prerogative to make his own 
interpretation, it cost the poor hermit his life. As- 
cension-day was no sooner past than the king ordered 
the hermit out of prison, and condemned him to be 
tied to a horse's tail, and drawn through the streets, 
and that both he and his son should be hanged on a 
gibbet, which sentence was instantly executed. 

proedixerat post annum quartum decimum regni regis, regnandi 
potestatem regi finaliter eximendam, quod quidem contigit, sed 
ailo modo quam putabat. Alludebat etiam huic praesagio revelatio 
facta cuidam monacho viro sancto transmarino in somnis : quod 
ultra annos xiv. non regnaret. Et quidem anno regni sui quarto 
decimo (ut praetactum est) se et regnum suum sedi apostolicse sub- 
jugavit," Our author, after expounding and confirming the 
truth of the hermit's prediction, by the king's submission to the 
apostolical see, proceeds to inform us, that John having enquired 
of Peter the day before he made his submission, how long he 
thought he should reign, was answered, « till three o'clock the 
next day at farthest :" and John was so highly exasperated by his 
reply, that he ordered him to be closely confined in Corf-castle, 
with a firm resolution of bringing him to punishment, and the next 
year he was torn to pieces by horses, after having been hung upon 
a gallows. Chronic. T. WiKEsadan. 1213 and 1214. 

This extraordinary prediction is authenticated by the manu- 
script of Wendover ; and Polydore Virgil imputes it to the dis- 
coveries of magic, " magicis artibus." But Speed judiciously sus- 
pects the whole of i nposture, and imagines that the hermit was 
suborned, to lessen the attachment of the people to the king. 
Speed b. ix. ch. 8. p. 558. 



w 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 



John de Lacy, the lord of Pontefract, who, 
after the death of Alice de Aqirila, his first wife 
without issue, married Margaret, daughter and 
coheiress of Robert, son of Sa her de 2uincg y Earl of 
Lincoln. This Robert married Hawys, fourth sister 
and coheiress of Randal Blundevil, Earl of Chester 
and Lincoln, who gave to her, in the distribution of 
his lands and honors, the latter earldom, scilicet quan- 
tum ad me pertinuit id inde comitissa existat-— from 
her it descended to Margaret her daughter, who, by 
marrying John de Lacy, brought the earldom of 
Lincoln into that family. 

In the fifteenth of king John, John de Lacy 
engaged to pay to the king seven hundred marks, in 
the space of four years, for livery of all his lands as 
inherited by his father, and to be discharged of all 
his father's debts due to the exchequer; obliging 
himself by that oath, in case he should ever fall from 
his allegiance, and adhere to the king's enemies, all 
his possessions should be forfeited to the crown. It 
was also by this agreement stipulated, that the king 
should retain the castles of Pontefract and Dunning- 
ton in his own hands, and that Johnde Lacy should 
allow forty pounds per Annum, for the custody of 
them. 

Under the influence, and by the direction of 
Archbishop Langton, a number of barons associated 
for the purpose of obtaining a redress of grievances. 
The archbishop had found a copy of the charter 
granted by Henry I. on his accession to the throne. 
He shewed this to the barons, who engaged, to ob- 
tain a renewal of it, and a full restoration of the 
laws of Edward the Confessor. They collected their 
forces, and ultimately obtained the famous charter, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 77 

called Magna Charla *, which is considered as the 
foundation of British liberty. 

The barons, who had obtained this important 
charter, were too wise to leave this work unfinished. 
They knew too well the king's character, to think 
that he would ever agree to the performance of this 
charter, unless compelled by necessity. They 
chose twenty-five of their number to see the charter 
carried into execution. John de Lacy was chosen 
one of this number; and on their cantoning the 
kingdom among themselves, he had Yorkshire and 
Nottinghamshire allotted for his share. 

The barons, in this struggle for liberty, incurred 
the displeasure of the pope. John having disgrace- 
fully given the crown to the see of Rome, and now 
holding it as a fief of St. Peter, was considered as a 
dear son of the church, while the wicked barons were 
doomed to suffer all the penalties which the church 
could inflict. They were solemnly excommunicated, 
aud all the pious were separated from them. This 
had such an effect on John de Lacv, that on ob- 
taining letters of safe conduct, he went to the king 
and made his peace. 

In the first of Henry III. Lewis, the son of 
Philip, the king of France, who had been invited f 
by the barons, to come and accept the crown, being 
expelled by the prudent conduct of the great Earl of 
Pembroke, the regent, John de Lacy was admitted 
to favour. He, together with many other English 

* This important charter ascertained the reliefs for earldoms, 
baronies, and knights fees, which had been arbitrary ; it stipulates, 
that no aid, scutage, or tax should be levied without the consent of 
the common council of the natron ; and that no person should be 
taken, imprisoned, or disseized of his freehold and liberties, without 
legal process, and the lawful judgment of his peers, 
f Matt. Par. p. 303, or 30. 



78 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

nobles*, took the cross, and went to the holylajid, in 
the year following, Richard, the king's brother, 
assisted by John de Lacy and others carried on 
the war against the Saracens with vigour, and 
covered with laurels, at length returned. John de 
Lacy appears not to have continued long abroad, 
but to have returned with him. We find him among 
the barons in the great council assembled in the 
twenty-third of this reign; and in that year he had 
a grant of the sheriffalty of Cheshire, and was 
appointed governor of the castle of Chester. 

He had returns of all the king's writs through- 
out the wapontakes of Staincross and Osgoldcross, 
in this county ; and obtained the further privilege, 
" that all merchants and strangers, coming by wa- 
ter to the town of Pontefract, should be free from 
payment of any tollf. 

John de Lacy, died July 22, 1240, and left 
issue by Margaret his wife, two daughters, and 
Edmund his only son and heir. The daughters 
were sent for to court, and educated with the king's 
own daughters. 

Edmund de Lacy, appears to have been at the 
time of his father's demise under age, and conse- 
quently a ward of the king. His great possessions, 
excited in the queen, the desire of marrying him to 
one of her own relations. Accordingly, a daughr 
ter of the Marquis de Saluces, was brought over 
from Italy, and Edmund was forced to marry her; 
a circumstance, which occasioned no little discon- 
tent among the English nobility. 

In the 3oth of Henry III. Edmund obtained a 
charter for free warren J in all his demesne lands, 

* Pal. 21. Henry III. f Rol. de Ebor. 

t Free Warren, is a franchise granted for preservation or 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 79 

belonging to his honour of Pontefract. He also 
obtained another charter from the same monarch, 
for a weekly market, to be held every Wednesday 
at TansheJf, within his lordship of Pontefract ; 
and a fair yearly for three days, viz. on the eve, 
day and morrow of the feast of the Holy Trinity. 

Edmund dying in the life-time of his mother, 
never assumed the title of Earl of Lincoln. He 
founded the house of the White Friars in Ponte- 
fract, and was succeeded by his son and heir, 

Henry de Lacy, the last and greatest man of 
his line. He married Margaret, daughter and 
sole heiress of William Longespe, son of the Earl 
of Salisbury. By her he had two sons, Edmund 
and John. It is said that Edmund was drowned 
in a well at Denbigh castle - y and that John, when 
young, running hastily upon a turret in Pontefract 
castle, fell down and was killed. It is scarcely pro- 
bable, that two children should perish in this man- 
ner; and it is more natural to believe that the two 
accounts have originated from the fall of John, and 

custody of beasts and fowls of warren ; which, being ferae 
naturae, every one had a right to kill as he could ; but upon the 
introduction of the forest laws, at the Norman conquest, these 
animals being looked upon as royal game, and the sole property of 
our savage monarch s, this franchise of free warren was invented 
to protect them ; by giving the grantee a sole and exclusive power 
of killing such game so far as his warren extended, on condition ot 
his preventing other persons. Manwood informs us, " that the 
hare, the coney, the pheasant and the partridge, were beasts and 
fowls of warren ; and no other. Sir Edward Cooke, mentions as 
beasts and fowls of warren, roes, rails and quails, woodcocks, 
mallards and herons. Henry I. granted to Henry Keighly, 
knight, the privilege of free warren within his own manor," ita 
quod melius ineret terras Mas ad fugandum in its, vel ad aliquid 
capiendum quod ad Warrennam pert/neat sine licentia et voluntate 
ipsius Hcnrici et successorum ejus. Free warren gave to the lord 
of a manor an exclusive right to hunt and kill the game therein. 



80 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

the early death of Edmund. He had two daughters, 
Alice and Margaret ; the former of which only sur- 
vived, and was married to Thomas, son of Edmund, 
Earl of Lancaster. 

Henry de Lacy was the confidential friend of 
Edward I. whom he seems not a little to have re- 
sembled in courage, activity, prudence, and every 
other quality which can adorn a soldier or a states- 
man. His services began with the reign of Edward. 
In the first of Edward he beseiged and took the 
castle of Chartly, in Staffordshire, which Robert de 
Ferrers had entered and detained by force from 
Hamon L'Estrange, to whom i- had been granted 
by Henry III. upon the attainder of Ferrers. 

In the sixth of Edward I. he granted a * charter 
to his burgesses of Pontefract, confirming the 
grants and charters of his ancestor, Roger de Lacy, 
and also f another charter respecting the right of 
erecting stalls. 

In the year 1290, he was appointed the first 
commissioner for rectifying the abuses which had 
crept into the administration of justice, especially 
in the court of common pleas; an office in which 
lie behaved with the most exemplary fidelity and 
strictness. He was sent in 1292, Ambassador to 
France, to demand satisfaction for plundering the 
English merchants by the subjects of that kingdom. 

He obtained a charter in the year 1294, to hold 
several markets in different places, and among them 
a market every Wednesday at Pontefract, and a fair 
upon the eve of Palm-Sunday, and the three days 
following. 

After the death of Edmund Earl of Lancaster, he 
was appointed commander in chief, of the army of 
Gascony and Viceroy of Aquitaine. 

* Char. 2. .Appd. f Char. 3- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 81 

In 1298, he raised the sjege of St. Catherine, 
near Thoulouse, and expelled the French from the 
confines of that country. In 1299, he led the van- 
guard, at the memorable battle of Falkirk, in Scot- 
land, in which the Scots lost one thousand two 
hundred men, and Edward obtained a victory the 
most brilliant and decisive. 

Henry having been long married, and not having 
any male issue living, did in the twentieth of Edward 
I. render up his castle and barony of Pontefract, 
with all the manors, hamlets, and other rights there- 
unto belonging, into the king's hands; but condi- 
tionally it seems, for that monarch, by his charter, 
dated at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 28th December, in 
the twenty- first of Edward I. regranted the castle and 
honour of Pontefract unto the said Henry de Lacy, 
and the heirs of his body, with remainder to his 
royal brother, Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, and the 
heirs of his body, and for want of such issue to the 
king and his heirs. 

In the year 1294, the king granted him a charter 
to hold several markets at different places, and 
amongst them, a market upon every Wednesday at 
Pontefract, and a fair upon the eve of Palm Sunday, 
the day and three days following. 

In the twenty eighth of Edward I. Queen Marga- 
ret resided at the castle of Pontefract, while the king 
was engaged in an expedition to Scotland. Several 
of the nobility who attended her, fond of the chace, 
went a hunting in the neighbourhood. The Queen, 
who was then in a pregnant state, took a ride for 
the benefit of her health; and being drawn on by 
the sport of the field, as far as Brotherton, was 
there taken ill, and safely delivered of her fifth son. 
The royal infant was therefore at the queen's desire, 



*i HISTORY OF PONTEFRAC'rl 

from St. Thomas of Canterbury, to whom she 
prayed in her extremity, called Thomas de Bro- 
therton*. He was afterwards by king Edward the 
second, his brother, made Earl of Norfolk, and 
the office of marshal of England was conferred 
by parliament on him, and his heirs male lawfully 
begotten, which his descendent, the present Duke 
of Norfolk enjoys. Not far from the church at 
Brotherton, was a piece of ground of about twenty- 
acres, surrounded with a trench and a wall, where 
(as tradition informs us) stood the house in which 
queen Margaret was brought to bed, and the 
tenants were obliged by the tenure of their land, 
to keep it surrounded by a wall of stone. 

In the parliament of Carlisle, ult. Edward I. 
Henry de Lacy had precedence of all the peers of 
England after the Prince of Wales; and after the 
death of his old master, he seems to have retained 
the confidence of his son; for in the important 
expedition of Edward II. into Scotland, he who had 
shared the triumphs of Falkirk, was spared the dis- 
grace of Bannockburn, by being left protector of 
England. He died February 5. 1310, aged 60, and 
was buried in St. Paul's, London. 

* In the Cotton ian library is a book of grants, beautifully 
illuminated, among which, there is one of Edward II. giving a 
commission to Thomas de Brotherton, appointing him his marshal 
of England. Over this painting is written, Literoe, K. Edwa'di, 
constituentes Thomam de Brotherton, Comitem Nottingham 
Marescallem Anglise. 

This curious painting is richly embossed with gold and ele- 
gantly coloured ; the king sits on a light red throne*, dressed in a 
blue robe, lined with ermine ; the armour of Thomas h a light 
blue, except the body, which is painted red; and the lion argent, 
and the joints of the armour at the elbows, and knees, which are 
gold ; the back ground is a deep sea green ; the letter is white, 
shaded with red, inclosed in a gold square. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 83 

Thus terminated the once noble name of Lacy. 
Whatever anxiety men may feel to transmit their 
name to posterity in that of their children, in a few 
generations, it is probable, that very name will be 
forgotten. 

All has its date below ; the fatal hour 
Was registered in heav'n ere time began. 
We turn to dust, and all our mightiest works 
Die too : the deep foundations that we lay, 
Time ploughs them up, and not a trace remains, 
W T e build with what we deem eternal rock : 
A distant age asks where the fabric stood ; 
And in the dust, sifted and search'd in vain, 
The undiscoverable secret sleeps. 

All flesh is grass, and all its glory fades 
Like the fair flow'r dishevel'd in the wind ; 
Riches have wings, and grandeur is a dream : 
The man we celebrate must find a tomb, 
And we that worship him ignoble graves. 
Nothing is proof against the gen'ral curse 
Of vanity, that seizes all below. 
The only amaranthine ftow'r on earth 
Is virtue ; th' only lasting treasure,, truth. 



84 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT^ 



SECTION VII. 

Inquiry into the conduct and character of Tho??ias f , 
Earl of Lancaster, commonly called St. Thomas. 

1 HOMAS, Earl of Lancaster, was the son of 
Edmund, who was the fifth son of Henry III. 
Henry de Lacy, on the failure of male issue, had 
bequeathed to his daughter and heiress, Alice, who 
had married Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, all his 
estates; and on a failure of issue from this marriage, 
he entailed them on the king and his heirs. Henry de 
Lacy, who had been the ornament of the court of 
Edward I. and one of those, whose fidelity and 
courage had contributed to the glory of* his reign, 
by this entail of his vast possessions, gave a remark- 
able proof of his 'strong attachment to the royal 
family. 

Edward II. previous to the death of his father, 
had given too many indications of that weakness 
which characterized his reign, to escape notice; and 
his attachment to Piers Gaveston, the companion of 
his crimes and pleasures, it was foreseen, would one 
day become a source of calamities to his kingdom. 
It is said, that Henry de Lacy, after the death of 
his old friend and master, Edward I. and the acces- 
sion of Edward II. particularly charged Thomas, 
Earl of Lancaster, to watch the conduct of Gaves- 
ton, and strenuously to defend the liberties of the 
people. 

Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, with other barons 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 8$ 

of public and independent spirit, had soon to con- 
tend against this unprincipled minion. Edward II. 
gave him the earldom of Cornwal ; and he disposed 
of all offices and places according to his pleasure. 
By his advice all the faithful servants of the late 
king were removed from their posts, and their place 
supplied with his creatures. 

The favourite could not bear his good fortune 
with moderation; he became haughty and overbear- 
ing, and looked down on the English nobility with 
the most supercilious contempt. In the splendor of 
bis dress, he endeavoured to outshine, not only the 
nobility, but even the king himself. 

The insults which the barons received, excited 
them unanimously to seek redress, and to insist on 
the banishment of Gaveston. The king supported 
his minion to the utmost of his power, but finding 
it impossible to vanquish the spirit of the barons, he 
at length complied with their request, and Gaveston 
was banished the realm. 

He was sent into Gascony, where the king 
made him a grant of a large estate, and even be- 
stowed the honour of Cockermouth, in England. 
The king could not endure his absence; and having 
obtained the assistance of the pope, to absolve him 
from his engagements, this favourite was recalled. 

He was no sooner restored to power, than, for- 
getting his late banishment, he exercised it in the 
same wanton manner he had previously done* He 
appeared to think his authority so well established, 
that he had nothing to fear from the future attempts 
of the barons ; and he not only neglected to con- 
ciliate their esteem and regard, but attacked the 
character of the leading nobles by personal reflec- 
tions*. 

* He characterized the Earl of Lancaster, by the title of 



$6 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The prodigality of the king and the favourite 
soon exhausted the treasury, and a parliament was 
called to grant an assessment for the supply of the 
king's necessities. The barons went prepared to 
destroy the favourite, and to regulate and reform 
the administration. They insisted that a certain 
number of their own body should be chosen to 
correct the abuses of government, and to whom 
the administration should be given. The persons 
thus chosen were called Ordalners, and among 
them was Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. 

While the king was intent on prosecuting the 
war against Robert Bruce, the renowned leader 
and king of the Scots, the ordainers were drawing 
up ordinances for preserving the peace of the 
church, collecting the customs, and calling the 
late collectors to an account; for regulating the 
court of exchequer, and for redressing all griev- 
ances. Piers Gaveston was banished the realm, 
for having embezzled the king's treasure, procur- 
ing blank charters, which he filled up according 
to his own pleasure, protecting robbers, and arro- 
gating to himself the regal power and dignity. 

Edward had no desire to comply with any of 
these ordinances, and least] of all with that which 
banished his favourite. The barons insisted on 
his complying with every ordinance; and not 
having the power to resist, he submitted, and 
Gaveston was again banished. The king having 
no sources of enjoyment in his own mind, and 
being accustomed to draw his pleasure from his 
favourite, found life insupportable without him. 
He privately invited him to return, and meeting 
him at York, restored him to all his honours. 

stage player; the Earl of Pembroke, by that of Joseph the Jew; 
and the Earl of Warwick, he called the wild boar of Ardenne. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 87 

The barons, who appear to have formed the 
design of abridging the prerogatives of the crown, 
were incensed at this instance of folly in the king, 
and presumption in the favourite; and having 
collected troops, the Earl of Lancaster marched 
with such expedition and secrecy, that he nearly 
surprized the king and Gaveston in Newcastle, 
to which place they had retired. Edward not 
being able to contend with Lancaster, fled to 
Tinmouth, and going on board a vessel with his 
favourite, put to sea. He landed Gaveston at 
Scarborough, and having put him in possession 
of the castle, departed to York. Lancaster was 
jio sooner informed of Gaveston's retreat, than 
he sent Pembroke, Piercy, and Clifford, with a 
body of troops to besiege the castle; while he 
took post with the rest of his army between 
that place and York, in order to cut off all com- 
munication between the king and his favourite. 
Gaveston, finding himself thus pent up, and the 
king unable to afford him any assistance, was 
forced to capitulate, and surrender himself to 
his enemies. He was conveyed to Dedington. 
and was taken by Guy, Earl of Warwick, and 
carried to his castle there. 

The Earls of Lancaster, Hereford, and Arun- 
del, repaired to Warwick to decide his fate. They 
soon came to a determination to put him to 
death as a public enemy. The next day he was 
accordingly beheaded, and Lancaster is said to 
have viewed the head with marks of brutal joy. 
The news of his death gave general satisfaction, 
and few beside the king lamented him. He 
vowed vengeance, and a civil war would have 
been the consequence, had not common friends 
interposed, and effected a reconciliation. 



88 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

It was the misfortune of Edward, that he 
could not live without favourites. On the death 
of Gaveston, the Spencers were admitted to en- 
joy his place; and by a similar spirit and con- 
duct, excited the same general resentment. The 
ordinances continued to be disregarded, and Lan- 
caster on this account maintained his opposition 
to Edward. To mortify Lancaster, the Countess 
was carried off from her house at Caneford, in 
Dorsetshire, to the castle of Ryegate, by a 
knight of a most deformed figure, being lame 
and hunchbacked. He claimed the lady in con- 
sequence of a contract previous to her marriage 
with the earl; alledged he had cohabited with her 
as her husband; and, by an action brought in 
the king's court at Westminster, demanded the 
earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury, of which 
she was heiress*. 

This singular transaction appears to have 
been a contrivance of the king; and what must 
for ever entail infamy on Alice de Lacy, now 
the countess, she joined in the prosecution. 
Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, enraged at this 

* This lady, the heiress of the family of Lacy, at an 
early period, was infamous for her amours and intrigues. She 
was married to Lancaster when only nine years old, and when 
arrived at the age of nineteen, carried on an illicit amour with 
the Earl of Warren. He built Sandal castle, near Wakefield, 
where, having taken the Countess of Lancaster, he detained 
her for some time. In an affray concerning this lady, be- 
tween the retainers of Lancaster and Warren, commenced that 
fatal trpgedy in which Sir John Elland, of Elland, and so many 
other valiant knights lost their lives. Vid. Watson's, Halifax, 
p. 176. and Whit. Whalley, p. 146. 

This lady survived her husband, and married one Eubulo 
le Strange, a man with whom she had before cohabited. She 
died without issue in the sixty-seventh year of her age, and 
was buried at the conventual church of Berling, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 89 

cruel attempt against his honour and fortune, 
applied to the king for redress. The king re- 
fused to , grant his request, and even threatened 
to punish him for his arrogance and presumption. 

Lancaster resolved to do himself right by force 
of arms, and with that view collected a body of 
eighteen thousand men. The king, conscious of 
his own inability to contend with this powerful 
nobleman, had recourse to the legates of the 
pope, to ward off -the blow and effect a reconci- 
liation. They went to Lancaster, and managed 
matters so well, that he and the king were once 
more made friends. 

The conduct of the Spencers in seizing some 
of the castles of the barons, and persuading the 
king to resume some grants he had made; and 
especially depriving John de Mawbrey of an 
estate, which had been bequeathed to him, pro- 
duced a general union of that body, who 
were determined to obtain redress. They applied 
to Lancaster for assistance, the only person who 
could give effect to their schemes. Thus strengh- 
ened, they demanded the restoration of their pro^- 
perty, and the removal of the Spencers; and 
not finding the king ready to comply with this 
demand, they collected their forces, attacked the 
castles of the Spencers, laid waste their lands, 
burnt their houses, and took away their cattle. 

Alarmed at the danger of his favourites, 
Edward issued out a proclamation, commanding 
the barons to lay down their arms, and to sub- 
mit their grievances to the decission of a par- 
liament, which should be called. The barons, 
in the mean time, assembled at Sherbum, near 
Pontefraof, drew up an instrument, and engaged 

N 



90 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

not to lay down their arms, till they had expel- 
led the Spencers* 

After this they marched forward towards Lon- 
don, and fixed their quarters on Clerkenwell- 
green* They presented their demands to the par- 
liament which was then sitting; and a bill was 
brought in and passed", banishing the Spencers. 
This sentence was immediately published, That 
the Spencers, would be accounted public enemies, 
if seen in the kingdom after the 29th of August. 
The barons, on having obtained pardon for 
their proceedings, dismissed a part of their forces, 
and returned to their own estates; but being 
doubtful of the king's sincerity, kept themselves 
in a posture of defence. 

A circumstance now occurred, which, in its 
consequences, proved fatal to Lancaster, and to 
the cause of the barons. The queen, according 
to the spirit of the times, going to pay her de- 
votion at Becket's tomb, being near to the 
castle of Leeds* belonging to Badlesmere, sent 
her servants to demand lodging for a night. 
Badlesmere was not in the castle; but his wife 
told the servants they must go and provide lodg- 
ing for their mistress in some other place; for 
without an order from her husband, she would 
neither admit her majesty, nor any other person, 
into the castle. The queen not believing 
that such an answer had been returned, repaired 
to the gate of the castle, but was rudely repulsed, 
and six of her attendants slain by the garrison. 

This insult, offered to the queen, roused the 
spirit of Edward. He immediately raised an army 
and invested the castle, which had it been sup- 
plied with provisions, was well furnished with 
every other requisite for a long siege. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 91 

The lords of the marches considered this as 
a commencement of hostilities, and collected 
their troops in order to raise the siege. Lan- 
caster refused to support them, considering that 
such an insult, offered to the queen, ought to 
be avenged, and her honour vindicated. The 
castle surrendered at discretion, and the governor, 
and eleven principal officers were executed. 

The king encouraged by this success, recalled 
the Spencers, and set the barons at defiance. 
Lancaster was no sooner apprized of this event, 
than he inveighed with vehemence against the 
arrogance of the favourites, and the perfidy and 
baseness of the king, who sacrificed his honour 
to gratify his ruling passion. 

Determined to oppose this violation of the 
late statute, be summoned the barons in his inte- 
rest to meet him at Doncaster, on the 29th of 
November; and circular letters were sent over 
all the kingdom, representing the danger to 
which the nation would be exposed by the return 
of the Spencers. 

Many of the barons had espoused the cause of 
Edward against Badlesmere, in order to vindicate 
the honour of the queen. This circumstance 
strengthened the king's party, and contributed 
to the fall and ruin of Lancaster and his friends ; 
for deserted by many, on whose support he 
had relied, he was unable to maintain the con- 
test. The king having subdued the castles in 
the west marshes, advanced to attack Lancaster. 

In the mean time, Bruce, the king of Scot- 
land, invaded Northumberland, and Lancaster, 
conscious of the weakness of his party, resolved 
to conclude an alliance with him; and for this 



92 HISTORY OF PONTETRACT. 

purpose sent Mawbrey and Clifford with pro- 
posals. Bruce embraced this overture with alacrity, 
and the barons encouraged with a prospect of 
assistance, laid siege to the castle of Tickhill, 
belonging to the crown. Edward came to its 
relief, and Lancaster drew his forces together, 
determined to hazard a battle; but when he saw 
the vast superiority of the king's army, he judged 
it more wise to retreat north, in hope of being 
reinforced by his Scottish allies. 

To oppose the Scots, Simon Warde, governor 
of York, and Harcla, governor of Carlisle, had 
imited their forces near Boroughbridge. Edward, 
detached the Earls of Surry and Kent after 
Lancaster, invested the castle of Pontefract, 
where Lancaster had intended to have defended 
himself*, but being threatened with death by 
Clifford, had gone north. The castle of Ponte- 
fract surrendered to the king on the first sum- 
mons; and at Boroughbridge, Lancaster found 
the passage guarded; and was tinder the neces- 
sity of either surrendering himself to his enemies, 
or of hazarding an engagement, and by fighting 
his way, escape to Scotland. He endeavoured 
to force the bridge, but failed iji the attempt. 
Harcla, being reinforced in the night by the 
sheriff of Yorkshire, with the posse comitatus, 
entered next morning the town and took Lan- 

* Le land informs us, "that Lancaster and the lords, met 
in the house of the Black Fryers at Pontefract, to consult what they 
ought to do. They advised him to march north to Danstanburgh, 
one of his castles in Northumberland ; while he declared his resolu- 
tion to stay at Pontefract. On this, Roger de Clifford drew his 
dagger, and swore he would kill him^ unless he went with them. 5J 
Col. Vol. I. mi\ 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 93 

caster, and above a hundred barons and knights, 
beside many gentlemen, prisoners. 

The king being at the castle of Pontefraet, 
when he heard of this event, sent orders for 
Lancaster, and some others, to be brought to 
him. The third day after their arrival, the king 
sitting himself in judgment, with Edmund, Earl 
of Kent, his brother, the Earls of Pembroke 
and Warren, Hugh Spencer, created Earl of 
"Winchester and others, sentence of death was 
passed on Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, to be drawn, 
hanged, and beheaded as a traitor. The king 
remitted the two first punishments, in considera- 
tion of his being a prince of the royal blood. 

It is related, that when he was brought as a 
prisoner to Pontefraet, he was rudely insulted by 
his own vassals, and called, king Arthur ; a name, 
which it is said, he had once ironically applied to 
Edward. He was put into a tower, which Leland * 

* The following account of this matter, extracted from the 
Chronique of William de Pakington, is contained in the 1st vol. 
Lei. Col. p. 461, &c. — About this tyme Henry Lacy Erie of 
Lincoln dyed, and charged Thomas of Lancastre his sunne yn law 
and heyre, that he should maynteine his quarelle agaynst- Peter 
Gaveston. Be whos meanes after, and the Counte of Warwickes, 
was Pers Geveston behedid at Gaverishith by Warwick the xxix 
of Juin yn the yere of our Lord 1312. King Eduarde lamenting 
and desiring God that he might ons be revengid of Peter Gave- 
stons dethe. 

The Nobles of England seing the infinite covetousness of the 
Dispenser, came to Thomas of Lancastre to treate a meane for it. 
And after of one assent made assemble at Shirburne yn Elmede. 
And sending the Kings supplication, and not hard, the Barons 
went into the Marches of Wales, and destroyid the Dispensars 
landes. Then King Edward, at the motion of the Dispensars, 
banishid John Mountbray, Roger Clifford, Goseline Dainville, 
and dy vers others. And after the Barons calid by brief to a par- 
lament cam with 3 battayles in order, having ten colourid bandes 



94 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

says 5 he had newly made towards the abbey. It is 
most probable, this was the tower afterwards called 

on theyr sieves, whereof it was caullid the parlement de la Bende. 
and yn this company were Humfre de Bonn Counte of Hereforde, 
Syr Hugh de Audeley, Sir Roger Dam are, &c. &c. 

The Barons hering (the King had taken the Castle of 
Leeds) both the Mortymers toke Bridge-north, for which the King 
banished, by proclamation, Thomas of Lancastre and Humfrede 
Boun with al theyr adherents. 

And after the King cumming agayn his Barons with a strong 
hoste, both Mortymer the uncle, and Mortymer the nephew, 
put them self yn the Kinges grace, and were sent to the Toure of 
London. 

The Barons hering this cam to Pontefract, to Thomas of 
Lancastre, and there gathering theire poure, assauted the Kinges 
castel of Tickille, but not wynning it. 

And hering of the Kinges hoste, went to Burton apon Trente, 
keping the Bridge to let the Kinges passage. But the Kinge pas- 
sid perforce, and thens wente the Barons with Thomas Lancastre 
to Tuttebyri, and thens to Pontefract. And yn this gorney Syr 
Roger Dainmore dyed yn the abbay of Tuttebyry. 

After this Thomas Lancastre and the Barons counselid togeth- 
er in Blake Freres in Pontfracte, and the Barons concludid to go to 
Dunstanburg, a castel of Thomas Lancasters in Northumberland: 
but he utterly refusid that counsel, lest it might have be thought, 
that he had, or wolde have intelligence with the Scottes. Where- 
fore he intendid toremayne at his castel at Pontfract. 

Syr Roger CI y fiord hering this, toke out his dagger, and 
sayde, that he wolde kille him with his oune handes in that place, 
except he woold go with them. 

Then Thomas Lancastre a force granted, and went with them, 
having in company VII. C. menne to Borowbridge. 

To Borowbridge came Syr Andrew he Harkeley Warden of 
Cairluel and that Marches, and Syr Simon Warde, to encountre 
with the Barons. Where Thomas Lancastre told Harkeley his juste 
quarel agayne the Dispensers, promising hym, if he would favor 
his cause, one of the V Countes that then he had in possession. 
But Herkeley refusid his offre. Then Thomas prophetied that he 
wold sore repent, and that shortly, so fair, and that he should dy a 
shameful deth that is to say, to be hangid, drawn and quartered. 

Then Harkeley, whom Thomas of Lancastre had afore tyme 
made Knight, made his archiers to shote, and so did the Barons 



HISTORY OF PO^TEFRACT. 95 

Swillington tower*, and which seems to have been 
designed as a place of close confinement. 

upon the bridge. And emong al other, one gotte unde the bridge, 
and at a hole thruste with a launce the renounid Knight thorough 
oute al Christentye Humfrede de Boun yn the foundemente, so 
that his bowels cam oute. And Syr Roger Clifforde was sore 
wonded on the hedde. And Syr William Sulley and Syr Roger 
Bernefeld were slayne. And then wente Thomas Lancastre into 
a chapel, denying to rendre hymself to Harkely, andfsajd, looking 
on the crucifix, "Good Lord, I render myself to thee, and put 
me yn to thy mercy/' 

Then they toke of his cote armures, and put on hym a ray cote, 
or goune, one of his mennes ly veryes, and carried hym by water 
to York, were they threw balles of dirte at hym. And the resi- 
dew of the Barons part were pursuid from place to place, and to 
the church hold was no reverence gyven, and the father pursuid 
the sunne, and the sunne the father. 

The King hering of this discomfiture, cam with the Dispen- 
sars and other Nobles his adherentes to Pontfracte. 

Syr Andrew of Herkeley brought Thomas of Lancastre to 
Pontfracte to the Kinge, and there was put in a towre that he had 
newly mad toward the abbay, and after juged in the haule soden- 
]y by thes Justices, Syr Hugh Dispensar the father, Syr Aimer 
Counte of Pembroke, Syr Edmunde Counte of Kent, Syr John 
de Britayne, and Syr Robert Malmethorp, that pronouncid his 
judgement. 

Then Thomas Lancastre sayd, " Shaul I dy withowtanswer ?" 

Then certayne Gascoyne toke him away, and put a pillid 
broken hatte or hoode on his hedde, and set hym on a lene white 
jade with owt bridil, and he than cryed thus, " King of heaven 
have mercy on me. For the King of Herth nous ad querpi/' 

And thus he was caryed, sum throwing pelottes of dirt at 
hym, and having a frere Precher for his Comessor with hym, on 
to a hille withowte the toune, where he knelid doune toward the 
este, on tille one Hughinde Muston causid hym to turne nw face 
towarde Scotlande : wher kneling, a \illayne of London cut of his 
hedde, 11 Cal. Aprilis anno D. 1321. And after the Prior and 
the Monkes required his body, aud got it of the King, and buried 
it on the right i/and of the hy altare. 

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 464, &c. 

* Part of. this tower has been lately cut away, in order to 
widen the public road. The tower was square; its walls of great 



96 HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. 

After sentence was passed upon him, he said 
Shall I die without answer? He was not how- 
ever permitted to speak in his own defence, 
but a certain Gascoigne took him away, and 
having put an old hat or hood on his head, set 
him on a lean white mare, without a bridle. Lan- 
caster then said, King of heaven have mercy on 
me, for the king of earth, nous ad querpi. At- 
tended by a fryer-preacher, as his confessor, he 
was carried out of the town, suffering the in- 
sults of the people, who continued to throw 
dirt at him. 



■Nay then farewel ! 



I have touchM the highest point .of all my greatness ; 
And, from that full meridian of my glory, 
I haste now to my setting. I shall fall, 
Like a bright exhalation in the evening, 
And no man see me more. 

At length he reached the hill where he was 
doomed to suffer, and having kneeled down, 
with his face toward the east, one Hugin de 
Muston, caused him to turn his face towards 
Scotland, and the executioner severed his head 
from his body. The prior and monks having 
begged his body of the king, took and buried 
it on the right hand of the high altar, in the 
church of the priory. 

Thus fell Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, the first 
prince of the blood, and one of the most power- 
fulJhoblemen that had ever been in England. 



mil nojolen 
His death 



involved many others in the same 

strength, being ten feet and a half thick, nor was there ever any other 
entrance into the interior, than by a hole or trap door, in the floor 
of the turret; so that the prisoner must have been let down to this 
abode of darkness, from whence there could be no possible way «f 
escape. The room was twenty-five feet square. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 97 

fate; and all their estates were confiscated, and 
according to the will of the Spencers given to 
others. Daniel, has made the remark, " That 
this is the first blood of nobility, that ever was 
shed in this manner in England, since William 
I. which being such, and so much as it was, 
opened veines for more to follow, and procured 
a most hideous revenge, which shortly after en- 
sued *." 

It is difficult to delineate the character of 
Thomas, as he has been by one party charged 
with every crime, which can add disgrace to 
human nature; and by another, not only ex- 
culpated, but adorned with every quality, which 
can add dignity to man. If we judge of the 
man by his actions, he seems to have been high- 
spirited and passionate, and wholly destitute of 
that self-command which accompanies true great- 
ness of mind. The ordinances, drawn up under 
his influence, and by his direction, exhibit him 
in the most amiable light, as the advocate and 
decided friend of liberty, and as the avowed 
enemy of those prerogatives of the crown, the 
exercise of which, particularly in a weak reign, 
was alike injurious to the true interests of the 
king, and of the people. Time has sanctioned 
the wisdom and propriety of these ordinances, 
and no king thinks now of advancing to the 
highest offices, men to whom a majority ofi^he 
legislature is confessedly inimical. V^ 

It may be doubted whether Thomas possessed 
any qualities which entitled him to the charac- 
ter of saint; unless his liberality to the religious 
orders, be admitted as sufficient to constitute 

* Daniel's Col, of especial affairs of government, p. 180, 



$8 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

such a character. It is said indeed, That 
many miracles were wrought at his tomb; — 
that blood continued to issue from it; and that 
such was the fame of St. Thomas' tomb, that 
Edward placed a guard to restrain the people. 
When repulsed from the tomb of the Saint, the 
people flocked to the hill where he was beheaded, 
and where afterwards a church was built. Not- 
withstanding these miracles, it is doing more jus- 
tice to his character, to consider him as a mar- 
tyr in the cause of liberty, than to honour him 
with the apotheosis of a saint. 

For, if invaded rights the task demand, 
If men behold oppress'd their native land, 
By foreign despots, wand'ring far for prey 
Who, locusts like, with ruin mark their way ; 
Or, see their Prince direct the nation's helm, 
In ruin's surge, his people to o'erwhelm : 
Reward for foulest deeds a venal tribe, 
Nor shun to blacken whom he cannot bribe ; 
Engaged his meanest subjects to defend, 
Yet, prove their tyrant, rather than their friend 5 
On pow'r despotic, rear a rush-built throne : 
And, crown'd for all, live to himself alone : 
'Twill then be right to grasp the blazing spear, 
Be duty then the banner'd staff to rear, 
To dare the fight at freedom's sacred call, 
Maintain her rights, or with her bravely fall. 



♦ 



V 



% 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACTo 99 



SECTION VIII. 

Historical events till the death of Richard II. 

IN the moment of triumph, Edward, instead of 
displaying the god-like virtue of clemency, and 
conciliating the affection of the barons, manifest- 
ed the weakness of his mind, by yielding himself 
up to the passion of revenge. On the day Lan- 
caster was beheaded, the following barons, his ad- 
herents, were hanged here*: Lord Warren de 
Lisle, Lord William Tochet, Lord Thomas Man- 
dute, Henry de Bradburne, Lord Fitzwilliam the 
younger, and Lord William Cheyney. On the 
day following, the Lords Clifford, Mawbrey and 
Deynville, were executed at York, and hung in 
chains, and considerable numbers in other parts 
of the kingdom. 

While the king remained at Pontefract, he 
created Andrew de Harcla, Earl of Carlisle, for 
the good services rendered him in taking the 
Earl of Lancaster, granted a special charter to him 
and his heirs male of an annuity of twenty pounds 
per annum, to be paid by the sheriff of Cumberland 
for the time being; and also lands and rents in 
Cumberland and Westmoreland of the value of 
one thousand marks per annum, and five hundred 
marks per annum, out of the marches of Wales. 
This is the first creation of honour, wherein any 
preamble importing the merits of the person so 
LoFC. * Speed. 675« 



100 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

dignified was ever used, and beareth date at Ponte- 
fract castle, the 25th March, 1322, (15th Edward 
II.) being three days after the execution of the 
above mentioned persons at Pontefract. 

According to the will of Henry de Lacy, the 
castle and honour of Pontefract, with all his other 
possessions, ought to have descended to Henry, 
the brother of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster; but Ed- 
ward for some time kept them in his own hand* 
and then gave them to his favourite. 

The conduct of the Spencers, and the cruelties 
of Edward, produced a complete change in the 
public mind; and even those barons, who had 
assisted against Lancaster, were highly incensed 
on account of the unequal division made of the 
spoil. The common people revered the memory 
of Lancaster, as their patron and protector, 
and who had fallen in their cause. His character, 
by being contrasted with that of his enemies, ac- 
quired additional lustre ; nor could the royal au- 
thority itself, restrain the populace from expressing 
their veneration for him. 

The king appears to have been much alarmed 
with this state of the public mind, and to have ap- 
prehended, that some attempts would be made by 
the Lancastrian party, against his favourites and 
himself. He had hoped, the death of Lancaster 
Would have been the death of his party ; but now 
found his mistake. He came down to Pontefract, 
and then went forward to Craven, where the Clif- 
fords had great power, to check the spirit of the 
people, and frustrate the design of his enemies *. 

* It appears from " the Fruyt of Tyme/' printed by 
Wynlcyn de Warde, 1528, that the king was at " Craven at 
Scipton, because he should undo the pilgrimages made at the 
tomb of Lancaster/' which threatened to end in an insurrection. 



HISTORY OF PONTEF1UCT. 101 

The insults of the Spencers to the queen her- 
self, sister to the king of France, induced her 
to join the Lancastrian party; and effectually to 
ruin the Spencers, she went to France, under the 
pretence of bringing about a peace between 
Edward and her brother. Being joined by the 
disaffected barons, and assisted by her brother, 
she set sail and landed at Orwell, in Suffolk, the 
latter end of September, 1326. She was no sooner 
landed, than she was joined by Thomas de Bro- 
therton, Earl of Norfolk, John Bretagne, Earl of 
Richmond, and Henry Plantagenet, brother and 
heir of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, and the chief 
part of the nobility. 

The king forsaken by all his people, was 
soon seized together with his favourites, the 
cause of his disgrace and ruin. The Spencers 
were condemned to be hanged for Robbery, drawn 
for treason, and beheaded for invading the pri- 
vileges of the people; and this sentence was 
executed with the utmost rigour. They were 
hanged on the common gallows, their bodies 
cut to pieces and given to the dogs for food, 
their heads exposed, the elder at Winchester, and 
the younger on London bridge, where- the citizens 
received it with marks of joy. 

We are told their execution was ordered on 
a Monday, in revenge of the death of the late 
Earl of Lancaster, whose royal blood was shed 
upon that day. The Earls of Surry and Arundel, 
two of the principal lords who beheaded him, 
now suffered the same fate, with a great many 
others of the king's party. The king himself 
was soon after deposed, and after suffering the. 
most unheard of cruelties, was at last most 



102 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

inhumanly murdered in Berkley castle, with the 
consent of his queen and son, by the order of 
the Bishop of Hereford, in the night of the 21st 
of September, 1327> eight months after his 
deposition. 

The sentence of the late Earl of Lancaster 
was now reversed, (7th March 1327,) because 
he was not tried by all his peers, and his bro- 
ther Henry, Earl of Leicester, succeeded him in 
his honours and estates. 

The people still retaining their veneration for 
the late earl, and the parliament begun on the 
morrow after the feast of the Epiphany, in the 
the first of Edward III. having vacated and annul- 
led all the proceedings relating to his attainder, 
began to flock from all quarters once more in 
pilgrimage to his tomb. The king wrote letters 
to the pope to solicit the canonization of the 
said earl, but this favour was not obtained till 
the following reign. The queen also joined her 
influence, and wrote to the pope in the king's 
name, but did not prevail. The people notwith- 
standing reverenced him as a martyr, and the 
king granted a permission in the first year of his 
reign, dated at York, at the desire of the queen, 
to make a collection for the building a chapel 
on the very spot where the earl was beheaded. 

All proceedings of attainder against the late 
Earl of Lancaster, and his adherents, being 
annulled in parliament, and Henry, his brother 
and heir, restored to the lands and honours, he 
was the same year made high steward of Eng- 
land, entrusted with the guardianship of the 
young king, and captain general of all the king's 
forces in the marches of Scotland. 



y 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 103 

In the second year of his reign the king 
was resident at Pontefract, when he granted full 
powers to commissioners, dated at Pontefract 
castle the 22d of August, 1328, to demand of 
the Duke of Brabant, that he should engage 
to serve him as well in peace as in war, against 
any king or prince whatsoever. 

In the fourth of Edward III. Henry, Earl 
of Lancaster, had a confirmation of all his ho- 
nours and estates, and he died in the nineteenth 
year of the same reign. He was buried at 
Leicester, the king, the queen, and almost all 
the bishops, earls, and barons of the realm honour- 
ing his funeral by their attendance. 

He was succeeded in his lands and honours 
by Henry, Earl of Derby, his son and heir. 
He was absent, at Bourdeaux, at the time of 
his father's death, having a great command in 
the king's army there. 

In the twenty-third of Edward III. (1349) 
this Henry was by patent created Earl of Lin- 
coln, and elected into the honourable society of 
the knights of the most noble order of the gar- 
ter, then newly formed. 

In the twenty-fifth of Edward III. for his 
prudent conduct and valour in the late wars, he 
was advanced to the highest pitch of honour by 
the king's special charter, dated the 6th of 
March, 1351, viz. to the dignity of Duke of 
Lancaster*, by the consent of all the prelates 

* This is the first duke created since the Norman conquest, 
except Edward the black prince, who was created Duke of 
Cornwal fourteen years before. As William enjoyed only 
the title of Duke of Normandy, previous to the conquest, 
and his successors were honoured only with the same title, 
they appeared jealous of advancing any to this dignity, least 
they should aspire also to the crown. 



104 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and parliament assembled, and was invested 
therewith by the cincture of a sword, with power 
to have a chancery in the county of Lancaster, 
and to issue out writs there under his own seal, 
as well touching pleas of the crown as any 
other relating to the common laws of this realm, 
as also to enjoy all other liberties and regalias 
belonging to a county palatine, in as ample a 
manner a& the Earls of Chester had within that 
county. By this charter the earldom of Lancas- 
ter became a duchy. 

In the thirty-fifth of Edward III. a great 
pestilence prevailed in England, which car- 
ried off numbers of people, and amongst them 
the Duke of Lancaster, who died thereof at 
Leicester, upon the eve of the annunciation of 
the Virgin Mary, and was buried on the south side 
of the high altar in the collegiate church, founded 
there by himself. Not having male issue he left 
his two daughters, Maud and Blanch, by Isabel 
his wife, daughter of Henry, Lord Beaumont, 
his coheiresses; Blanch, hy virtue of a dispensa- 
tion from the pope in regard of their alliance, 
Was married to John of Gant, so called from 
his being born at Gant or Ghent, in Flanders, Earl 
of Richmond, the fourth son of King Edward III. 
and on the 16th of July, in the same year, par- 
tition was made of all the lands and honours of 
the late Henry, Duke of Lancaster, between the 
coheiresses, Maud and Blanch, when John of Gant 
had been married two years, and having issue, 
had livery in right of his wife of several lord- 
ships whereof her father died seized, viz. and 
(amongst others) of the castle and manor of Pon- 
tefract, with the bailiwick and honour of Pontefract, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 105 

In the thirty-sixth of Edward III. Maud, 
sister to Blanch, died without issue, on which 
John of Gant, in right of his wife, had all the 
remainder of the lands, &c. that the late Henry, 
Duke of Lancaster, died seized of, and was 
advanced to the title of Duke of Lancaster, in 
parliament assembled, on the thirteenth of No- 
vember following, by girding with a sword, a 
cap of fur on his head, with a circlet of gold 
and pearls. Both he and his heirs for ever, were 
made free, and all his vassals, or whosoever 
were resiants on his lands and fees whatever, which 
were the property of Henry, formerly Earl of 
Lancaster, progenitor of Henry, late Duke of 
Lancaster; and it was further granted that the said 
John and Blanch his wife, and their heirs on the 
bodies of them the said John and Blanch begot- 
ten, and all their vassals, and lands, and fees 
whatsoever, should be for ever exempted from 
pannage, passage, paage, lastage, stallage, tollage, 
carriage, pesage, piccage and terrage, throughout 
the whole kingdom. 

The above mentioned Blanch, his wife, died 
of a great pestilence, then raging in the king- 
dom, and was buried in St. Paul's cathedral. 

In the forty-sixth of Edward III. the Duke 
of Lancaster married Constance, the daughter and 
heiress of Don Pedro, king of Castile, in whose 
right he thenceforth bore the title of king of 
Castile. 

In the fourth of Richard II. happened a 
dangerous insurrection, headed by Wat Tyler 
and Jack Straw. The expences attending the 
French wars, and the prodigality of the court, 
had exhausted the exchequer; and in order to 



106 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

procure a present supply, the parliament was 
obliged to impose a tax of three groats on every 
person, male and female, above the age of fifteen; 
and they decreed, that, in raising the tax, the 
rich should relieve the poor, by reasonable com- 
pensation. 

This imposition, in consequence of the im- 
prudence of one of the collectors of the tax*, 
excited the above-mentioned insurrection, which 
nearly proved the overthrow of the government. 
The lower class of the people rose against their 
rulers, committed the most terrible outrages, 
and took a severe vengeance for all the calami- 
ties and hardships with which they had been 
oppressed. 

Become formidable by their numbers, they 
entered the city of London, and committed 
great outrages. The Duke of Lancaster at this 
period was unpopular, and his fine house, called the 
Savoy, accounted the most beautiful structure in 
the kingdom, became the object of general re- 
sentment. It was instantly assaulted, set on 
fire, and reduced to ashes. Nothing escaped 
the fury of the flames. The rich furniture which 
graced the interior of this place ; charters, deeds, 
and other valuable records belonging to the duke, 
were all destroyed. 

This event spread a general terror through 
the kingdom, and it was expected that the popu- 
lace would rise in other places, and be guilty 

* The brutal officer, collecting the tax of a poor black- 
smith, insisted that a daughter of his ought to pay, as being 
above the age specified ; and to prove the fact, seized the 
maid and proceeded to acts of indecency, which so enraged 
the father, that he knocked out the ruffian's brains with his 
hammer. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 107 

of equal violence and outrage. TJie duke's castle at 
Leicester was not considered safe. The most 
valuable goods were removed to the church 
there; and Lady Constance fled with precipita- 
tion towards Pontefract castle, as being a place 
of greater security. When she arrived here, such 
was the terror excited, that her own servants re- 
fused her admittance. They expected that Wat 
Tyler and Jack Straw were in pursuit, and that 
if they received her, they would soon have to 
endure all the hardships of a siege, or to sustain 
all the fury of an immediate assault.' Lady 
Constance was under the necessity of proceed- 
ing by torch-light to Knaresborough castle, where 
she was received with the respect due to her 
rank, and where she remained till the insurrec- 
tion was quelled, and the duke returned from 
Scotland. 

The vast possessions of the Duke of Lancas- 
ter, and his authority over his own tenants, ren- 
dered him nearly equal to the king, both in 
wealth and power. Some of his courtiers buzzed 
it into the weak head of Richard II. that it was 
necessary to destroy the duke, before he could 
enjoy the crown in security. The king guided 
by the counsel of favourites, entered into a plot, 
laid by the infamous Trisilian, for accomplish- 
ing this design. He had not only devised 
offences, and already set on foot a private pro- 
secution, but had also fixed the time for the 
duke's arrest, when he was forthwith to have 
been arraigned, condemned and executed. But 
the duke having private information thereof from 
one who was in the plot, retired to his castle 
at Pontefract, and put it in the best posture of 



103 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

'defence. He supplied it with men and provisions, and 
determined to stand upon his guard, if he found 
it necessary. But the princess Joane, mother to 
the king, dreading the fatal consequences of this 
breach, took uncommon pains to effect a recon- 
ciliation; which required no little address, as the 
whole kingdom was greatly dissatisfied with the 
administration; and the duke, on account of his 
opposition to the oppressive measures of govern- 
ment, was more than ever the favourite of the 
people. The princess, though very corpulent, 
travelled to and from the parties, till she at 
length accomplished her design, and Richard and 
the duke became friends. 

In the twelfth of Richard II. the duke obtained 
divers charters, confirming his chancery court and 
duchy of Lancaster, together with others, giving 
him for life, the sole jurisdiction and sovereignty 
within the same, and his honour of Pontefract. 

In the seventeenth of Richard II. died 
Constance, his wife, and two years afterwards 
he married Catherine Swinford, his kept mistress, 
and a foreigner. She had been brought up in his 
house, and waited on his wife Blanch, in whose 
service she married one Sir Hugh Swinford: her 
maiden name was Roe, and after Sir Hugh's 
death, she became the duke's concubine. 

The Duke of Lancaster, called John of 
Gant, died on the third of February, 1399, in 
the fifty-ninth year of his age, and was buried 
near his first wife, Blanch, in St. Paul's cathedral. 
By his death the duchy of Lancaster, and the 
honour of Pontefract, fell to his son and heir, 
Henry de Bolinbroke, Duke of Hereford,' then 
in exile. The king, previous to his departure, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 109 

had granted letters patent empowering him, 
though in exile, to sue by attorney for livery of 
all lands descending to him. But on the death 
of the duke his father, Richard, by an incre- 
dible act of injustice, not only revoked those 
letters patent, but also decreed that his banish- 
ment, which was originally only for six years, 
should be perpetual. He confiscated all his 
paternal estate, nay, he even stretched his iniqui- 
tous power so far as to condemn to perpetual 
banishment, one Bonner, the duke's attorney, 
who had sued in his name for the livery of his 
lands. 

It is not to be supposed that a nobleman 
of Hereford's character and rank would patiently 
suffer such a complication of injuries. Possessed 
of a bold and enterprising spirit, he had often 
signalized himself, both at home and abroad, 
and was regarded with respect by the people, 
and adored by the soldiers. Always cool, and 
having the perfect command of his temper, he 
could not be easily provoked to a rash action, or 
even to use an unbecoming expression. He had 
likewise the great advantage of being related 
either by consanguinity or affinity to all the 
principal nobility of England, and his sufferings 
made him more than ever the idol of the people. 
On the other hand, Richard's flagrant injustice 
had opened every mouth against both him and 
his government; and the citizens of London in 
particular, were highly enraged at the injuries 
done to their favourite. The folly, extravagance 
and injustice of the king, made them turn their 
eyes toward the Duke of Hereford, (now by 
Tight Duke of Lancaster) as the only person 



110 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

who could retrieve the lost honour of the nation. 
"With this view they secretly invited him to re- 
turn to England, promising to assist him in the 
recovery of his lawful inheritance at the hazard 
of their lives and fortunes. The duke, thinking 
this a favourable opportunity (the king being 
then in Ireland) embraced the generous offer, 
and with a retinue of about eighty persons landed 
at Ravenspurg, in Yorkshire, on the 21st July, 
1399, where he was immediately joined by the 
Lords Wilfoughby, Ross, D'Arcy, Beaumont, 
and several gentlemen of distinction, attended by 
an army of forty thousand men. 

Richard now found the whole kingdon was 
alienated from him ; few of the nobles, and fewer 
still of the people, retained their allegiance. He 
was at length taken, sent to the tower, and 
obliged to resign the crown and kingdom to 
Lancaster. The parliament confirmed the depo- 
sition of Richard, on account of his incapacity; 
and though Lancaster was not the next heir to 
the crown, yet on account of his blood, and 
his superior talents, he was considered as the 
only person worthy to wear it. From the Nor- 
man conquest down to this period, the law of 
descent had not been regularly observed, but the 
parliament had at times disposed of the crown to 
any branch of the royal family, which they thought 
proper. Lancaster's best title rested in this act 
of the parliament, as expressing the sense of a 
large majority of the people. 

The parliament having deposed Richard, the 
Archbishops of Canterbury and York, placed 
Lancaster on the throne, amidst the general ac- 
clamations of the people, and Richard was im- 
prisoned in this castle. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Ill 

Some assert that as soon as he was deposed, 
Henry sent him from the tower to Leeds castle, 
in Kent, and from thence down to Pontefract 
castJe. But John Harding*, the old rhyming 
chronicler of the north, who lived in the same cen- 
tury? and may be therefore supposed to have been 
better acquainted with the transactions of this coun- 
try, affirms that he was sent by King Henry IV. 
to the castle of Leeds, in Yorkshire, from thence 
to Pickering castle, thence to Knaresborough 
castle, and from thence to Pontefract castle. 

Richard deprived of his crown, and immured 
within the walls of a prison, now became a prey 
to his own desponding reflections. Having en- 
joyed the highest elevation of rank, he was more 
sensible of his present humiliating condition. 
Accustomed to command, he found it difficult 
to obey; and still more difficult to submit to 
those restraints under which he was laid. Feel- 
ing the miseries of a prison, and expecting an 
unhappy end, he could not avoid the painful re- 
flection, if he had any conscience left, that in 
the time of his prosperity, he had been deaf to 
the claims of justice, and steeled to the milder 
influence of compassion and mercy. The ghosts 
of those nobles he had unjustly murdered, and 
the cries of a plundered and an oppressed people, 
could not fail to haunt his guilty mind, Shake- 

* The king then sent King Richard to Leedis 
There to be kept surely in previte 
Fro* thens after, to Pykering went he needis 
And to Knaresburgh, after led was he 
But to Pauntfrete last, where he did die 
Both therles of Kent and Salisbury 
Therl of Huntingdon and Spencers sothely. 

Harding's Chron. 



112 HISTORY OF PONTEFKACT, 

spear, with his usual propriety, justness and ele- 
gance, has described the reflections of Richard 
in the castle of Pontefract. 

I have been studying how to compare 
This prison where I live unto the world ; 
.And, for because the world is populous, 
And here is not a creature but myself, 
I cannot do it, yet I'll hammer on't. 
My brain shall prove the female to my sou!, 
My soul, the father ; and these two beget 
A generation of still-breeding thoughts ; 
And these same thoughts people this little world : 
In humour, like the people of the world, 
For no thought is content. The better sort, 
(As thoughts of things divine,) are intermixt 
With scruples, and do set the word itself 
Against the word; as thus; Come, little ones; and then again. 
It is hard to come, as for a Camel 
To thread the postern of a needle' 's eye. 
Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot 
Unlikely wonders; how these vain weak nails 
May tear a passage through these flinty ribs 
Of this hard world, my ragged prison-walls, 
And for they cannot, die in their own pride. 
Thoughts tending to content flatter themselves, 
That they are not the first of fortune's slaves, 
And shall not be the last. Like silly beggars, 
Who sitting in the stocks refuge their shame, 
That many have and others must sit there; 
And in this thought they find a kind of ease, 
Bearing their own misfortune on the back 
Of such as have before endured the like. 
Thus play I, in one prison, many people, 
And none contented. Sometimes am I King, 
Then treason makes me wish myself a beggar, 
And so I am, Then crushing penury 
Persuades me, I was better when a King; 
Then am I king'd again ; and by and by 
Think that I am unking'd by Bulingbroke, 
And straight am nothing 

The Earl of Salisbury, the Bishop of Carlisle, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. US 

Sir Thomas Blount, the abbot of Westminster, 
and several other persons of power and interest, 
entered into a conspiracy to dethrone Henry, 
and restore Richard; and engaged as their tool 
one Maudlin, who had been chaplain to Richard, 
and resembled that prince so exactly, in his 
shape and features, that they thought they could 
easily impose him upon the public for the true 
monarch. They clothed him in royal attire, and 
boldly asserted that he was Richard, who had 
escaped from prison, and was come to implore 
the assistance of his faithful subjects. This had 
considerable effect upon the lower orders, who 
are generally found soon to forget their com- 
plaints, and ready to aid the unfortunate. They 
flocked to the royal standard, and the conspira- 
tors found themselves at the head of an army 
of twenty thousand men, and marched toward 
London. Being encamped near the walls of 
Cirencester, the mayor with a valiant band 
of about 400 men, boldly attacked a body of 
the rebels, took some of their leaders prisoners^ 
and dispersed the rest. 

This conspiracy is justly supposed to have 
hastened the death of Richard. Henry could 
not but perceive, that so long as Richard was 
living, the factious and discontented would be 
ever ready to rise under the pretence of restoring 
him to the crown. To put an end to all future 
attempts of this kind, Richard was put to death 
in the castle of Pontefract; but the manner in 
which he met his fate, is variously reported by 
historians, though all agree as to time and place; 

Fabian and Rapin inform us, " that on Rich- 
ard's arrival at Pontefract castle, Sir Piers Exton 

Q * 



114 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

is related to have murdered the king in the 
following manner. On the king's arrival at Pon- 
tefract castle, he was closely confined in the 
great tower; soon after Sir Piers Exton, a 
domestic of .Henry's, was sent down with 
eight ruffians to imbrue their hands in the blood 
of this unfortunate king. On the day of their 
arrival, Kichard perceived at dinner that the 
victuals were not tasted as usual. He asked the 
reason of the taster, and upon his telling him 
that Exton had brought an order against it, the 
king took up a knife and struck him on the 
face, saying, " the devil take Henry of Lancaster 
and thee." Exton with his eight attendants en- 
tering his chamber at that instant, and shutting 
the door, attempted to lay hold of Richard; he 
immediately perceived their fatal errand, and 
knew he was a lost man. With a noble reso- 
lution he snatched a halbert, or poleaxe, from 
the foremost of them, and defended himself so 
bravely, that he slew four of his assailants. 
Whilst combating with the rest of the- murderers, 
Exton got upon a chair behind him, and with 
a poleaxe discharged such a blow on his head 
as laid him dead at his feet, where the miserable 
king ended his calamities, on the 14th February, 
1399. Before he expired he faintly uttered the 
following words, " My great grand father, King 
Edward 11. was in this manner deposed, impri- 
soned and murdered, by which means my grand- 
father, King Edward III. obtained possession of 
the crown, and now is the punishment of that 
injury poured upon his next successor. Well, 
this is right for me to suffer, but not for you 
to do. Your king for a time may joy at my 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 115 

death, and enjoy his desire, but let him qualify 
his pleasure with the expectation of the like 
justice, for God who measureth all our actions 
by the malice of our minds, will not suffer this 
violence unrevenged." 

The above account is most credited, though 
Stow and other historians say that the most pro- 
bable opinion is, that he was starved to death 
by order of King Henry IV, suffering the most 
unheard of cruelties, keeping him for fifteen 
days together in hunger, thirst and cold, before 
he reached the end of h s miseries. Polydore 
Virgil says, " That at all times his victuals were 
served in, and set before him in the same 
princely manner as usual, but that he was not 
suffered to taste any one thing." This account 
is certainly more consistent with the story which 
says that King Henry caused his dead body to 
be brought to Loudon, and exposed in public, 
both on the road and at St. Paul's church, with 
his face uncovered, and that no marks of violence 
were observed upon it. After being exposed 
three days in St. Paul's, he was interred at 
King's Langl°y, in Hertfordshire, but afterwards 
removed to Westminster Abbey, by order of 
King Henry V. where Irs tomb now remains. 

The account of his being starved to death, 
has moreover the advantage of being confirmed 
by the declarations of the Earls of Northumber- 
land and Worcester, and Lord Piercy. These 
were the likeliest persons of any to know the 
truth of the fact, it having been perpetrated 
in their neighbourhood*. It is however alto- 

* To decide in what manner Richard died, whether by 
the hand of Exton, or by want of support, his tomb in West- 
minster Abbey was opened in die presence oi' a respectable body 



116 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

gether uncertain in what manner he ended his 
days. In general murders were perpetrated in 
castles, in such a secret way, that few, if any, 
excepting such as were employed as agents, 
knew any thing more concerning them, than 
what they might learn from public report. 
of the members of the Antiquarian and Royal Societies ; but as 
the royal corpse was not disturbed, nor the bandage on the 
bead removed, so as that the skull might be examined, the sub- 
ject continues yet uncertain, Gough makes the following judi- 
cious remarks, " concerning the death of this unfortunate prince. 
Mr. King (Archseol. 4. 314.) notices, it has been accurately 
enough observed by Hume, "that the account of his having 
been starved to death, is more consistent with the public exposure 
of his body after his death, with the face uncovered, (Holingshed 
3. 517.) in all the places and towns between Pontefract and 
London, where those that had conveyance of it did stay all 
night, for we do not find that any external marks of violence 
were perceived or visible on that occasion. — It was exposed, 
as Froissart tells us, in Cheapside.— How he died, and by what 
means," says that circumstantial author, " I could not tell when 
I wrote this chronicle; but this King Richard dead, was laid 
in a litter, and set in a chaire covered with baudkin, four horses, 
ail black, in the chaire, and two men in black leading the 
chaire, and four knights, all in black, following. Then the 
chaire departed from the Tower of London, and was brought 
along through London fair and softly, till they came into Cheap- 
side, Adhere the chief assembly of London was, and there the 
chaire rested the space of two hours. Thither came in and out 
more than twenty thousand persons, men and women, to see 
him, as he lay, his head on a black cushion, and his visage open. 
Some had pity on him, and some had none, but said he had long 
ago deserved death." But if we consider the temper of the 
times and of the spectators, and the difficulty in such a croud of 
discerning with accuracy, not to insist that we may be sure any 
wound in the head would be carefully concealed, though the 
face' was left open, the conclusion will not be so obvious, as 
Mr. King imagined from the examination of the skulls in the 
tomb, at which I was present, arid recollect the circumstance of 
the small cleft on the left side of one of them, mistaken for a 
fracture, but pointed out to be a suture of the os temporis, apart 
easily concealed, though the face was left open. 

• Cough's Sepul. Mon. 



HISTORY. OF PONTEFRACT. 117 



SECTION IX. 

Historical events till the union of the houses of 
Lancaster and York. 

XlENRY IV from his accession to the throne, 
and during the whole of his reign, honoured 
the castle of Pontefract, the paternal inheri- 
tance of his family, by his frequent residence. 
At this period, Scotland was the common assy- 
lum of all who were disaffected to the reigning 
prince; and from this country they readily 
received assistance, and by making incursions 
into the northern parts, they disturbed the 
peace and often threatened to subvert the govern- 
ment. To guard against danger from this quar- 
ter, it may be presumed was the principal reason, 
why Henry so often visited and dwelt at this rlace. 
In the first of his reign, he granted a passport 
for the Earl of March then in Scotland, dated at 
Pontefract castle, 21st June, 1400. 

After the battle of Shrewsbury, in which fell 
the valiant Piercy, called Hotspur, and near six 
thousand of the rebels, the king marched to 
Pontefract, to watch the motion of the Scots and 
the Earl of Northumberland. He granted a full 
power to certain persons, to treat with the king 
of Scotland, which is dated at Pontefract castle, 
August 6, 1403. On the loth of the same month, 
an act passed at Pontefract castle, requiring an 
oath from the inhabitants of Northumberland, 



US HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT; 

that they -would not obey the earl of that name 
any longer, he having joined the insurgents. But 
we find that soon afterwards on his disavowing 
his son's conduct, he was pardoned, and committed 
to safe custody. 

In the year 1404, Henry granted full powers 
to treat with the king of Scotland for the ran- 
som of* Mordac Stewart, Earl of Fife, and 
Archibald, Earl of Douglass, both taken piisoners 
at the battle of Halladon-Hill, dated at Ponte- 
fract, the 6th of July. Also the same year a 
truce was signed between England and Scotland 
by the king, dated as above, at Pontefract. 

An insurrection being feared in the north, 
in consequence of its being reported that Richard 
II. was still alive in Scotland, the king again 
directly marched to Pontefract, where he no 
sooner arrived, than the Earl of Northumberland, 
anxious to keep on good terms with Henry, 
brought his grand children and nephews as hos- 
tages for his loyalty. The king at this time 
held his court at Pontefract castle. 

In the year 1405, an insurrection actually 
broke out in the north, and Henry again mar hed 
to Pontefract, where he granted a power to 
compound with the rebels for their pardon, 
dated at Pontefract castle, 25th April, 1405. 
An order was likewise granted to take and seize 
the Isle of Man, which belonged to the Earl of 
Northumberland, who had joined the insurrection. 
This order is also dated at Pontefract castle, 
June 3, 1405. 

The rebels still increased, and the city of York 
declared in favour of them ; Scroope, Archbishop 
of York and his party declared the king an/usur- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 119 

per, and prepared articles of impeachment against 
him. They raised an army of twenty-thousand 
men; against whom the king sent the Earl of 
Westmoreland, and Lord John, Duke of Lancaster 
the king's third son, but finding the rebels so 
strong and advantageously encamped, they did 
not think it prudent to attack them. Westmore- 
land desired a conference, at which pretending 
to commiserate the soldiers, who had been under 
arms the whole of the day, he persuaded the 
archbishop to agree that their forces might be 
disbanded. The deluded prelate had no sooner 
complied, than Westmoreland, who had also dis- 
missed his troops, gave orders to a troop of horse 
suddenly to return and wheel about, and by 
this manoeuvre took the archbishop and the 
Earl Marshal prisoners. Westmoreland plighted 
his faith to them, that they should not suffer in 
their lives, but meeting the king at Pontefract on 
his way to York, the prisoners were there brought 
before him. Henry soon ordered them to appear 
before a mock tribunal, who condemned them to 
die, and they were forthwith executed. This is the 
first instance of an archbishop being tried and 
condemned by the civil power. 

Henry now resolved to take ample vengeance 
on the citizens of York, for siding with their arch- 
bishop, and in consequence directed a mandate, 
dated Pontefract castle, 3d June, J 405, in the 
sixth year of his reign, to two of his officers *, 

* The king to his chosen and faithful servants John Stanley 
and Roger Leeehe, greeting: 

Know ye that for certain special causes, intimately con- 
cerning us and the state of our kingdom of England, we do 
assign you, together or separately, our city of York, together 



120 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT.' 

authorizing and commanding them immediately 
to seize the liberties and privileges of the city 
for his use. 

In this year also, the Earl of Northumber- 
land, who had been restored by parliament to all 
his possessions, came at midsummer to the king 
at Pontefract 

The Earl of Northumberland, notwithstanding 
the lenity with which he had been treated, con- 
tinued to foment disturbances, and encourage the 
spirit of revolt. He, together with Lord Bardolph, 
being closely pursued, fled from Wales into Scot- 
land, raised a small army and entered England. 
They took some of the earl's castles; and encou- 
raged by this success they entered Yorkshire. 
At Thirsk they set up the standard of revolt, and 
publishing a manifesto, declared their object to 
be to punish Henry as an usurper. Sir Thomas 
Kokesby, the sheriff of Yorkshire having assem- 

with all and singular liberties, franchises, and privileges to the 
citizens of the said city, by our progenitors or predecessors 
sometimes kings of England, or ourself, before this time granted 
and confirmed, to take and seize into our hands; and the said 
city thus taken and seized, till further order from us, in our name 
to keep and govern. 

And therefore we command you, or either of you dili- 
gently to take heed to the premises, and that you should do and 
execute them in the manner aforesaid. 

Also we command all and singular high sheriffs, mayors, 
bailiffs, and other officers, and all other our faithful subjects, as 
well within liberties as without, by the tenor of these presents, 
strictly to aid and assist you, or either of you, in the execution 
of the premises, being helpful, advising, and obedient to you 
as they ought. ... 

In testimony of which, &c. 
Witness the King at his Castle of Pontefract the third day 
of June, 1405, in the sixth year of his reign. 

By the KING. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 121 

bled a large army, watched all their motions, 
and on February 19, 1408, brought them to 
action on Bramham Moor, in which the Earl 
of Northumberland and Lord Bardolph were both 
killed. 

Henry was on his march when he received 
the agreeable news of this victory. He came 
to Pontefract castle, April 8th, and resided there 
for about a month, employed in trying and 
punishing some of the unhappy persons, who had 
been engaged in the late insurrection, and com- 
pounding with others for their delinquency. 
Among those who were capitally punished was the 
abbot of Hales, because he had been taken in arms. 

In the ninth of Henry IV. a truce was 
granted for one year for Guyenne, signed also 
at Pontefract castle, the 30th April, 1408. 

Henry IV. died at Westminster in the four- 
teenth year of his reign, and was succeeded by 
his son, now Henry V. 

Henry V. ratified and confirmed all the 
grants, declarations and franchises, contained in 
all the former charters granted to this borough, 
the honour of Pontefract and duchy court of 
Lancaster, by his letters patent, with the consent 
and authority of both houses of parliament. 

In the year 1415, Henry obtained one of the 
most splendid victories recorded in the annals of 
history, over the French at Agincourt, where the 
Duke of Orleans and several other persons of the 
highest rank were taken, and by his order sent 
prisoners to Pontefract castle; nor were they re- 
leased till the fatal disasters of the following reign 
had destroyed the English interest in France. 

In the third of Henry VI. (1424) the Duke 



122 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT^ 

of Bedford/ protector of the realm during the 
king's minority, enlarged the young king of 
Scots, James the first, from his imprisonment in 
Pontefract castle. When a boy, Robert his father, 
to preserve him from the snares of his uncle, who 
had murdered his elder brother David, put him 
on board a vessel* with a design to send him to 
France; but the ship falling into the hands of the 
English, he had been detained a prisoner seven- 
teen years. On his release he did homage and 
fealty for the crown of Scotland. 

In the seventh of Henry VI. the king granted 
a charter, confirming the rights, liberties, customs 
and privileges of the duchy of Lancaster and 
honour of Pontefract * dated 4th June; 1428. 

The weakness of Henry VI. the arrogance 
of his queen, and the dissension and quarrels of 
the court, emboldened Richard, Duke of York, to 
assert his claims to the crown, and the whole 
kingdom was divided into two hostile factions, 
the partisans of the red and white rose, the dis- 
tinguishing emblem of the houses of Lancaster 
and York. The contest which followed, spread 
desolation and slaughter through the land. There 
were few of the nobility who ended their days in 
peace. They either fell on the field of battle, or 
by the hand of the executioner. For the laws 
which regulate the conduct of nations, who are in 
a state of hostility towards each other, in civil war 
have no place; and such as escape the carnage 
of the sword, when they fall into the hand of their 
enemies, are doomed to the block. Meek-eyed 
mercy is unnoticed and unregarded; and the noble 
and the brave are immolated to the demon of 
revenge. 



HISTORY OF PQNTEFR ACT. 12 3 

It would be foreign to the purpose of this work, 
to enter into the detail of all the events of this 
interesting period. Such only can be noticed as 
are connected with the history of this place. The 
first battle, in this destructive contest, was fought 
at St. Alban's, where the Duke of York was vicr 
torious. The Duke of Exeter, who had the good 
fortune to escape the slaughter of that day, fled 
for sanctuary, to the Abbey of Westminster ; but 
he was taken from thence, and sent a prisoner tp 
the castle of Pontefract *. 

After the battle of Northampton, in which 
the forces of Henry were vanquished, and him- 
self taken prisoner, Queen Margaret fled to Dur- 
ham. Through the interest of the Earls of Nor^ 
thumberland and Westmoreland, an army was 
soon collected to support the house of Lancaster. 
Richard, Duke of York, who had marched to 
London, and who had, by act of parliament, been 
declared Henry's successor, hearing of the design of 
the queen, hastened to meet her with an army of 
five thousand men. When he reached Wakefield, 
he was surprised to hear that the queen was advanc- 
ing against him, at the head of twenty thousand 
men. He took refuge in Sandal castle, resolved 
to stand on his defence, till Edward his son should 
come to his assistance. Margaret, by a success- 
ful stratagem, induced him to venture on a gene- 
ral engagement. Having detached a considerable 
body of troops, who lay in ambush, the Duke 
of York rushed forth, and commenced a violent 
attack on the main body of the queen's troops •> 
but those in ambush coming upon his rear, the 
most determined valour on his part was una- 
vailing. 

* Stowe, p. 400. 



124 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

This battle, called the battle of Wakefield, 
was fought on the 21st December, 1460, in which 
Richard Pla'ntagenet, Duke of York, was killed, 
the Earl of Salisbury was dangerously wounded, 
taken prisoner, and in a very bleeding condition 
sent to Pontefract castle, where he was beheaded 
along with Sir Ralph Stanley, Sir Richard Liui- 
bricke, Captain Hanson, then Mayor of Hull, 
Mr. John Harrow a valiant gentleman, and seve- 
ral other persons of distinction, whose heads were 
exposed on the gates and towers of York. The 
head of the Duke of York was severed from his 
body, and being put upon a long pole, was 
placed on the top of Micklegate-bar, on which 
Clifford at the instigation of the queen, placed 
a crown of paper in derision of his title, with his 
face towards the city. — Shakespear makes the 
haughty Margaret opprobiously order, 

"Off with his head, and set it on York Gates; 
" So York may overlook the town of York." 

The duke's body was brought and interred in 
the church of the priory at Pontefract. 

The triumph of Margaret, and the house of 
Lancaster, was disgraced by the cruelties they 
exercised on their enemies. Instead of improving 
the victory by rapid advances towards the capi- 
tal, they spent their time in the execution of 
their prisoners. Edward, Earl of Marche, son of 
the Duke of York, who had raised a strong 
body of forces, on the borders of Wales, when 
he heard of the defeat and death of his father 
at Wakefield, marched for London; and after 
encountering a party of the enemy, which he 
totally routed, he reached the capital. The citi- 
zens declared for him, and he was crowned king, 
by the title of Edward IV. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 12o 

III the mean time Margaret was not inactive. 
She had collected an army of sixty thousand men. 
Edward, conscious that success frequently depends 
on prudence and celerity, at the head of about forty 
thousand men, set out from London March 12, 
1461, scarce resting till they came to Pontefract, 
where they encamped, the king residing in the 
castle, and his army around him. The day after 
his arrival, Lord Fitzwalter was detached to seize 
the pass at Ferrybridge, upon the river Aire, 
who executed the order with equal celerity and 
success. Henry understanding Edward had gained 
and guarded the pass at Ferrybridge, sent Lord 
Clifford with a party of light horse to dislodge 
him ; who made such expedition that he attacked 
him on the night of the 28th, with superior 
numbers, and drove him thence with great 
slaughter. Clifford found the guards asleep, and 
not in the least expecting the approach of an 
enemy. The Lord Fitzwalter, awakened by the 
noise, supposing it to arise from some tumult 
amongst his own men, jumped out of bed, and 
with only a battleaxe in his hand, went to ap- 
pease them. But too J ate aware of his mistake, 
the bastard of Salisbury and himself, both lost 
their lives in the action * 

Warwick was no sooner informed of the issue 

* There was found in digging a grave in Brotherton 
church yard, May 21, 1781, a chalice, very much mutilated, 
and its lid, a spur and part of a stocking. These most pro- 
bably belonged to one of the lords slain at Ferrybridge, before 
the battle of Towton, on Saturday the 28th of May, 1461. 

It was usual to inter the lords who fell in this contest, near 
the place where they were slain ; and it is not improbable, that 
the chalice, spur and stocking might belong to Fitzwalter, 
ArhseoL Vol. ix. 55. 



126 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

of this rencounter, than alarmed at this misfor- 
tune, and dreading the consequences at so cri- 
tical a juncture, when a general battle was every 
moment expected, he rode with the utmost speed 
of his courser to the castle of Pontefract, and 
spoke to the king, who was reviewing his troops, 
as follows, cc Sir, I pray God have mercy on their 
souls who in the beginning of your enterprize 
have lost their lives. I see no succour but in 
God, to whom I remit the vengeance.' ' On 
which he had recourse to a measure as brave 
as extraordinary. Alighting, he instantly stabbed 
his horse in the sight of the whole army, say- 
ing, " Let him flee that flee will, I will tarry 
with him that will tarry with me." So saying, 
he kissed the cross on the hilt of his sword in 
confirmation thereof, and swore he was firmly 
resolved to share the fate of the meanest soldier, 
and die in the field or conquer. 

This noble declaration of an officer so idolized 
by all the soldiery, awakened in every breast 
an insuppressible ardour ; and in order to inspire 
them with greater courage, Edward issued a pro- 
clamation, " That every man who was unwilling 
to stay, or was afraid to fight, had leave to 
depart," but denouncing the severest vengeance 
against those who in the ensuing action should 
betray the least sign of treachery or cowardice. 
He commanded such to be slain by his own men, 
and promised that they who executed this command 
should receive a great reward, besides double pay. 
But they cried out as with one voice to be led 
on, declaring their resolution to gain the day, 
or die at the feet of their king and general. 

The valiant Lord Fakonbridge, with his friend 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 127 

and companion in arms, Sir Walter Blount, un- 
dertook to regain the pass at Ferrybridge; and 
crossed the river at Castleford, in order to in- 
close the troops under Lord Clifford, then laying, 
on Brotherton marsh, which Clifford perceiving 
drew off his men and retired in great haste to 
the main body. In his retreat he fell in with a 
party of the enemy, and whether it was by acci^ 
dent, owing to the confusion into which they 
were thrown on the approach of Lord Falcon- 
bridge, or from some other cause, he had either 
put off or lost his gorget, when an headless arrow, 
from one in ambush, pierced through his throat, 
and immediately put a period to his life. Thus 
died the implacable Clifford, one of the most 
inveterate foes of the house of York. The Lan- 
castrians no sooner beheld their leader dead, 
than they fled with the utmost precipitation. 

John Lord Clifford, who was born April, 
8, 1430, held the title and estates five years, 
eight months, and seven days. His hands * were 
early dipped in blood ; for he was engaged in 
the civil war of the houses almost three years 
before his father's death. In the second battle 
of St. Alban's, the king was brought to meet 
the queen in Clifford's tent. This nobleman, 
partly from the heat of youth, and partly in 
the spirit of revenge for his father's death, pur- 
sued the house of York with a rancour which 
rendered him odious even in that ferocious age. 
His supposed slaughter of the young Earl of 
Rutland in, or perhaps after, the battle of Wake- 
field, has left a deep stain upon his memory; 
and his own untimely end, which happened the 
next year, is remembered without regret. In the 



I2S HISTORY' OF PONTEFRACT; 

MS memoirs of the family at Appleby this is said 
to have happened at Deindingdale, a place un- 
noticed -.in any map; but a respectable friend, 
resident near this place, has discovered the evanes- 
cent and almost forgotten name of Dittingdale, 
in a small valley, between Towton and Scar- 
thingwell. Here therefore, John Lord Clifford, 
fell. The place of his interment is uncertain; 
but the traditional account" of the family is pro- 
bably true, that his body was thrown into, a pit 
with a promiscous heap of the slain. Ditting- 
dale. is so near the field of Towton that it proves 
at least the advanced posts of the two armies 
to have been close to each other on the evening 
preceding the battle*. 

The next morning by day break the army 
begun its march from Pontefract, headed by the 
king and the Earl of Warwick, and advanced 
towards the Lancastrians, who, to the number 
of sixty thousand, occupied the fields betwixt 
Towton and Saxton, and about nine o'clock on 
Palm Sunday, the 29th March, 1461, the two 
armies met, when a desperate battle ensued. 
Whether it was because the enemy were so 
much -superior in numbers, or out of revenge 
for the cruelties exercised by them at the battle 
of Wakefield, Edward published an order through- 
out his army, that his soldiers should not en- 
cumber themselves with prisoners, which seems 
to have been the principal cause of the carnage 
of that day. In the beginning of the battle, 
whilst the Yorkists were advancing to the charge, 
it began to snow, and a sharp wind drove the 
sleet full in the face of the Lancastrians, and 
* Whitaker's Craven, p. 224. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 129 

disordered their sight in such a manner, that they 
could not discern the just distance between them- 
selves and the enemy. The Lord Falconbridge, 
an old and experienced officer, made an admi- 
rable use of this accident. He commanded the 
van, and ordered his men to advance as near 
the enemy as they possibly could, and discharge a 
volley of arrows upon them ; and then to retire with 
all speed out of the reach of those of the enemy. 

This stratagem had a wonderful effect, the 
Lancastrians galled by this attack, and think- 
ing their enemies were not many yards dis- 
tant, and on account of the snow, not per- 
ceiving them fall back, plied their bows till their 
quivers were emptied without doing the least 
execution, the Yorkists all the while keeping 
theirs in reserve. Lord Falconbridge judging 
their shot was nearly spent, and seeing them 
advancing sword in hand to begin a close fight, 
advanced again with his archers, and gave them 
another furious discharge, which obliged them 
to fall back to the main body, where they now 
assailed them without opposition, and slew a 
great number with the very shafts they picked 
up from the field after their own quivers were 
empty. The Lancastrian generals, finding the 
disadvantage they laboured under in this way 
of fighting, pressed on to nearer combat, and 
then the battle became firm, obstinate and bloody. 
The sword decided the fate of the day, which 
after ten hours obstinate fight, with equal and 
unremitting fury, ended in the total defeat of 
the Lancastrians. 

Edward pursued them towards Tadcaster with 
such impetuosity, that numbers were drowned 



130 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

in attempting to pass the •■ narrow, ■' but deep, 
river Cock, which lay in their way. Many miles 
of the country round were stained by the blood 
of thirty-six thousand seven hundred and six 
Englishmen, who were slain by the hands of 
Englishmen-*./ 

The Earl of Devonshire, who had but lately 
espoused the cause of Henry, was the only pri- 
soner -taken. Edward marched directly to York, 
hoping to find Henry and Margaret there, but 
they had set out for Scotland before his arrival. 
He immediately ordered the heads of the Duke 
of York, his father/and the Earl of Salisbury to 
be taken down and interred with their bodies, 
and that of the Earl of Devonshire, who was 
beheaded by martial law, to be put in their 
stead. 

Edward being established on the throne, 
prepared to discharge the duties of a son, by 
taking up the corpse of his father, and honour- 

* In the Paston letters, the number of those who fell, is 
stated to have been twenty-eight thousand men. This appears 
to have been a copy of a letter, sent by Edward to his queen, 
to inform her of this happy event. 

" On the king's part, Fitzwalter and Lord Scroop wounded, 
J. Stafford and Home of Kent were killed." 

" On the enemies part killed at Ferrybridge, the day be- 
fore the battle, Lord Clifford. Then fell in the field of battle, 
H. Piercy, Earl of Northumber- R. Wells, Lord Willoughby, 
land, Sir Ralph Bigot, 

T. Courtney, Earl of Devon, Gray, 

Viscount Beaumont, Sir Richard Jeney, 

Lord Neville, Sir Harry Belingham, 

— — Dacre, Sir And. Trolop ; 

— — Clifford, With twenty-eight thousand 

— — Stafford, men, numbered by heralds. 



Lord Wells, 



Fenns, Lett, first Edward IV. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 131 

ing it with a splendid and magnificent funeral. 
The form of this funeral is thus described, by 
Sandford, from a manuscript preserved in tho 
college of arms. 

On the 22d July, 1466, his bones were re- 
moved from the church of the priory of St. 
John, at Pontefract, and put into a chariot 
covered with black velvet. They were richly 
wrapped in a cloth of gold, and royal habit. 
At the feet of the corpse stood a white angel, 
bearing a crown of gold, to signify, that of right 
he ivas king. The chariot was drawn by seven 
horses, trapped to the ground, and covered with 
black, charged with escutcheons of the said prince's 
arms. Every horse carried a man, and on the 
foremost rode Sir John Skipwith, who bare the 
banner of the prince displayed. 

All the bishops and mitred abbots honoured 
this solemnity by their attendance. Dressed in 
their pontifical robes, they went two or three 
miles before the procession, to prepare and con- 
secrate the churches for the reception of the 
corpse of the prince. Richard, Duke of Glouces- 
ter, followed next after the chariot, accompanied 
by the principal noblemen of the kingdom, and 
a number of officers at arms. In this order 
the procession departed from Pontefract, followed 
by an immense concourse of spectators, and the 
first night they reached Doncaster; and from 
thence proceeded by easy journeys to Blythe, 
Tuxford, Newark, Stamford, and then to Fother- 
ingay, where they arrived on July 29- 

Edward IV. the queen, and officers of state, 
met the procession as it entered Fotheringay. 
They proceeded into the church, near to the 



132 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

high altar, where there was a hearse covered 
with black, and furnished with a number of ban- 
ners, bannerols and pensils; and under the said 
hearse, were laid the bones of the prince and 
his son Edmund. Over the hearse was a cloth 
of majesty, of black sarcenet, with the figure 
of our Lord sitting on a rainbow beaten in gold, 
having in every corner escutcheons of the arms 
of England and France quarterly. Around the 
hearse was a valance of black sarcenet, fringed 
half a yard deep, on which were three angels of 
beaten gold, holding the arms within a garter. 

Upon the 30th several masses were said, and 
then at the Offertory of the mass of requiem, the 
king offered for the prince, his father; the queen 
and her two daughters offered afterwards; then 
Norroy, king at arms, offered the prince's coat 
of arms; March, king of arms, the target; Ire- 
land, king of arms, the sword; Windsor, herald 
at arms of England, and Rovenden, herald at 
arms of Scotland, offered the helmet, and Mr. 
de Ferrys the harness and courser*. 

In the year J 470, the Earl of Warwick and 
several others, having taken up arms, proclaimed 
Henry king, and assuming the government in his 
name, obliged Edward to fly to Holland for 
safety f. Here he endeavoured to collect some 
forces, and landing at Ravenspurg with twenty 

* Bib. Top. Vol. VI. Fotheringay. 
f In the Paston letters there is an account of several 
persons who were taken and confined in Pontefract castle. 
" John Pilkington, Mr. W. at Cliff, and Fowler are taken, 
and in the castle of Pontefract, and are like to die hostily- 
Sir T. Montgomery and Jourdane be taken, what shall fall 
of them I cannot say." 

Fenns. Lett. Vol. II. p. 45. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 133 

thousand soldiers, gave out that he only came to 
claim his dukedom of York. He arrived at York, 
on the 19th March, 1471, where he was well 
received as Duke of Y r ork, but not as king. 
Having got possession of the city, he assumed 
the regal title, and began his march southward. 
Warwick sent orders to his brother the Marquis 
Montacute, who then lay at Pontefract with a 
great army, to march immediately and fight him; 
but one would suppose the marquis was all this 
time asleep, as he never once attempted to op- 
pose him in his march. Edward, conscious of 
the strength of his enemies, wished to avoid a 
battle if possible till his friends had joined him. 
The irresolution, not to say cowardice or trea- 
chery of Montacute, suffered Edward to pass the 
river Aire, at Castleford, without the least re- 
sistance. The battle of Barnet soon after fixed 
Edward once more on the throne for life. 

In the fourth of Edward IV. a safe conduct 
was granted to John Lord de Lanoy of France, 
at the request of the Duke of Burgundy, dated 
at Pontefract castle, the 10th December, 1463. 

On the 26th September, (nineteenth Edward 
IV.) 1478, Edward made a progress into the 
north, accompanied by a very numerous suit of 
dukes, marquisses, earJs, barons, and a great croud 
of other courtiers. He was met on his journey 
by all the public officers and gentry of these 
parts, amongst the rest by the lord mayor of 
York, and many of the richest citizens, who 
went as far as Wentbridge to meet him, and 
escorted him to Pontefract, where the king re- 
mained a week, and then set off for York. 

Edward the IV. died on the 9th April, 1483, 



134 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and was succeeded by his elder son Edward V* 
Edward was only in the thirteenth year of his 
age, at the death of his father. He was imme- 
diately proclaimed king; and kept his court at 
Ludlow castle, being under the tuition of An- 
thony Woodville, brother to the queen of Edward 
IV. He had been advanced to the dignity of 
a baron, by the title of Lord Scales, and was 
afterwards honoured with the title of Earl of 
Rivers. He became a most distinguished warrior 
and statesman; and was accounted one of the 
most learned men of the age. The friends of 
the queen enjoyed all the offices about the per- 
son of young Edward. 

The court had been divided into two factions, 
during the reign of Edward IV. The old 
nobility were headed by the Duke of Buck- 
ingham, and the queen's friends by Earl Rivers. 
Richard, Duke of Gloucester, had the address 
to secure the friendship of the queen and her 
party, by outward marks of respect, while he 
entered into a secret agreement with Buckingham 
and his party. On the death of his brother, 
Richard laid claim to the office of protector; 
and insisted on it as his right. Earl Rivers, Sir 
Richard Grey, and Sir Thomas Vaughan, aware 
that the Duke of Gloucester, would attempt 
to seize the person of young Edward, and as- 
sume the government of the country in his name, 
raised a body of troops for his defence. Glou- 
cester, by pretending a regard for his nephew 
and the welfare of his country, so far imposed 
on the queen, that she gave orders to her bro- 
ther, Earl Rivers, to dismiss the forces he had col- 
lected, and to bring his nephews to Westminster. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 135 

In obedience to her orders he set off, but when he 
had reached Northampton, was met by Glouces- 
ter and his friends, who seized the young kin^ 
and his brother, and sent Earl .Rivers, Sir R. 
Grey, and Sir Thomas Vaughan, under a strong 
guard, prisoners to Pontefract castle. 

Sir Richard Radcliffe was governor of the 
castle, a creature of Gloucester's, and every way 
qualified for the perpetration of deeds of crueltv 
and blood. On the loth June, first of Edward 
V. he went to York, and delivered a letter from 
the duke to the lord mayor, requesting him to 
raise forces to aid and assist him against the 
queen and her adherents; and it was agreed that 
such forces as the city could raise on such a 
sudden, should be on the Wednesday night then 
next at Pontefract, where the Earl of Northum- 
berland waited to conduct them and others to 
London. 

Richard, true to his purpose of seizing the 
throne, on the day that Edward V. should have 
been crowned, when they met in the tower, pre- 
tended Lord Hastings and others had assaulted him 
in order to murder the king and subvert the 
government, and commanding him immediately to 
be beheaded, the coronation was put off till, as 
he pretended, this alarm had ceased. He had, 
however, so ordered and arranged his plans, that 
on that very day Earl Rivers, his uncle, and other 
friends, in Pontefract castle, were executed, with- 
out any crime being proved against them. 

The following is the account that Grafton 
gives of this transaction. " Nowe was it devised 
by the protectour and his counsaile, that the 
same day that the Lord Hastings, chamberlayne, 



136 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

was headed in the tower of London, and about 
the same hour should be beheaded at Pounfrete, 
the Earle Rivers, and the Lord Richard, the 
queens son, Sir Tho. Vaughan and Sir Richard 
Hawte; whiche execution was done by the ordre, 
and in the presence of Sir Richard Racliff knight, 
whose service the protectour specially used in 
the execution of such lawlesse enterprises, as a 
man that he had been long secrete with, hav- 
ing experience of the worlde and shrewed wytte, 
shorte and rude in speech, rough and boysterous 
of behaviour, bold in mischief, as far from pytie 
as from fear of God." 

cc This knight brought these four persons to 
the scaffold at the day appointed, and shewed 
to all the people that they were traitours, not 
sufferying the Lords to speake and declare their 
innocency, least their wordes might have inclyned 
men to pytie them, and to hate the protectour 
and his part, and so without judgement and 
processe of the lawe caused them to be beheaded 
without other yearthly gylt but only that they 
were good men and true to the king and to 
nye to the queen, insomuch as Sir Tho. Vaughan 
going to his death sayd, A wo worth them that 
tooke the prophecy that G. should destroy King 
Edwards children (meaning Lord G. Duke of 
Clarence) which for that suspicion is now dead, 
but nowe remayneth Richard, Duke of G. whiche 
nowe I see is he that shall and wyll destroy 
kyng Ed. children and all their alyes and frendes, 
as appeareth by us this day, whom I appele 
to the highe tribunal of God for his wrongful 
murther and oure true innocencye, and then 
Racliff sayd, you have well apeled, lay downe 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 137 

your head, ye sayd Sir Tho. I dye in wright, 
beware you dye not in wrong, and so that 
good knight was beheaded and the other three 
and buried naked in the monastery at Pounfrete." 

Many a crime, deem'd innocent on earth, 
Is register'd in heav'n ; and these no doubt, 
Have each their record, with a curse annexed. 

Richard having seized the crown and usurped 
the throne, by the title of King .Richard III. 
in the second year of his reign granted a charter 
to this town, whereby he incorporated it, and ap- 
pointed John Hill the first mayor thereof, in 
July, 1484. This charter was confirmed by par- 
liament the 9th of August following. 

Richard, who, to the most consummate hypo- 
crisy, added the most ferocious cruelty, and 
ascended the throne by the murder of his 
king, was not permitted to enjoy it long in 
peace. The Duke of Buckingham, a character 
equally depraved as his own, by whose assis- 
tance Richard had hitherto met with success, 
soon formed a scheme to dethrone him, and 
unite the houses of York and Lancaster. Thus 
it frequently happens that associates in guilt, 
become the instruments of each others punish- 
ment; and the ways of providence are justified 
in rendering to them their deserts. 

The scheme devised met with general appro- 
bation; and measures were soon adopted to 
carry it into execution. Buckingham lost his 
life in the first attempt, and many of his 
friends were taken and executed. Richmond, the 
heir of the house of Lancaster, not discouraged 
by this event, but having collected some troops 
in France, at length landed at Mil ford -haven, 

T ^ 



138 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The people flocked to his standard, and he 
soon found himself at the head of an army suf- 
ficiently powerful to encounter Richard. 

The two armies met at Bosworth, where 
Richard lost his crown and his life. This battle 
was fought on the 22d August, 1485. At this 
time was also slain the above mentioned Sir 
Richard Ratcliffe, the governor of Pontefract castle, 
with many other persons of rank. The crown 
being found in the field of battle, Lord Stanley 
put it upon the head of Richmond, who was 
immediately proclaimed king, by the title of 
Henry VII. amidst the acclamations of the 
whole army; and, by his marriage with the 
princess Elizabeth, he put an end to the dread- 
ful contests of the kingdom, by the union of 
the houses of York and Lancaster. 



No more the thirsty entrance of this soil 

Shall damp her lips with her own children's blood I 

No more shall trenching war channel her fields, 

Nor bruise her fiowrets with the armed hoofs 

Of hostile paces. Those opposed files, 

Which like the meteors of a troubled heaven, 

All of one nature, of one substance bred, 

Did lately meet in the intestine shock 

And furious close of civil butchery, 

Shall now, in mutual, well-beseeming ranks, 

March all one way ; and be no more oppos'd 

Against acquaintance, kindred and allies : 

The edge of war like an ill-sheathed knife, 

No more shall cut his master. 



HISTORY OF POXTEFRACT. J 39 



SECTION X. 

Historical events from the death of Richard III. 
till the commencement of the civil ivar. 

W HEN raised to the throne, Henry VII. might 
justly have concluded, that as he had no com- 
petitors to fear, his reign would not be disgraced 
by those intestine feuds and animosities which 
had so long prevailed. He, however, soon found 
that the spirit of enmity had acquired strength 
by time, and nothing but the strong hand of 
power could repress or subdue it. The nobles 
had been so Jong accustomed to assume and ex- 
ercise an authority above all law; and the people 
to follow them implicitly as leaders and com- 
manders, that the former could, whenever they 
chose, excite commotions, disturb the peace, and 
endanger the throne. 

Though the houses of York and Lancaster 
were happily united, by the marriage of Henry 
with Elizabeth, the same factions still continued, 
and the friends of the latter naturally expected 
that the king would reward their fidelity, and re- 
store their forfeited estates and honours. The Yor- 
kists, who had feasted on the spoils of their ene- 
mies for near twenty years, and had no wish to 
relinquish what they had obtained, soon perceived 
their danger ; and by encouraging false pretenders 
to the throne, and raising partial insurrections, in- 
volved themselves in those very calamities they wish- 
ed to avoid, and lost both their lives and fortunes. 



140 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

In the second of his reign, Henry made a 
tour into the northern countries, and visited 
Ponlefract, the ancient patrimony of his family, 
where he resided some days. He then hastened to 
York, and while he remained there, an insurrec- 
tion broke out, headed by the Staffords in the 
south, and by Lord Lovel in the north, who 
pursued Henry with a body of three or four 
thousand troops. This insurrection was soon 
quelled, and tranquillity for a short season restored. 

In the fourth of Henry VII. (1488,) a rebel- 
lion broke out in the northern counties, in con- 
sequence of a heavy tax imposed by parliament. 
The people instigated by a popular incendiary, 
named John a Chambre, a man who delighted 
in war and plunder, rose in arms; and choosing 
one Sir John Egremont, a factious partisan of 
the house of York, they declared they would 
march to London, and give battle to the king. 
Henry was no sooner informed of this distur- 
bance, than he sent a body of troops against 
the rebels, under the command of the Earl of 
Surry, whom he had lately received into favour. 
That nobleman marched with all speed against 
the insurgents, who had reached the village of 
Ackworth, near this place, on their way to 
London. On the first attack they were routed, 
and John a Chambre taken prisoner; but their 
commander, Sir John Egremont, had the good 
fortune to escape. John a Chambre and the 
rebel captains were executed at York; but the 
rest were pardoned at the intercession of the 
Earl of Surry, by which he gained the favour 
of the country. 

Henry this year renewed and confirmed the 






HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 141 

above mentioned charter of Richard III. to the 
borough of Pontefract, dated 1st Dec. 1488. 

During the latter part of the reign of Henry 
VII. and the former of that of Henry VIII. 
few events of importance occur respecting this 
place. Henry VII. had the felicity to have out- 
lived the spirit of faction, and to leave the king- 
dom in peace. In the course of his reign he 
had amassed much wealth, of which his son and 
successor, Henry VIII. was extremely prodigal. 
His amours and intrigues, his cruel and unjust 
treatment of those he denominated his wives, 
ultimately led him to quarrel with the pope, and 
to encourage the reformation. 

Henry had emptied his coffers by extrava- 
gance and dissipation. Some measure was neces- 
sary to relieve his pressing wants; and the spirit 
of the times according with his inclination, he 
determined to seize the wealth of the religious, 
and wholly to suppress the monastic orders. 
The authority which the pope had hitherto en- 
joyed, Henry assumed and exercised; and he 
and his successors were declared to be the 
supreme head of the church of England. 

The religious orders could not behold with 
indifference the gathering storm, which threatened 
to overwhelm their elegant mansions, and their 
richly ornamented temples; and to strip them 
of all that wealth which had been conferred by 
the piety or superstition of past ages. They 
were not disposed to give up their all without 
a struggle; and had not various circumstances 
favoured Henry, this struggle might have proved 
fatal to his crown and life, and also to the 
reformation in this kingdom. 



142 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

On the establishment of the king's supremacy, 
and the allowing of the service of the church to 
be read in English, in the year 1536, the spirit 
of disaffection and revolt particularly appeared 
in the counties of Lincoln and York. Most 
of the heads of religious houses took up arms 
in defence of the church and their own orders; 
and a body of forty thousand * men was soon 
collected, well furnished with arms, horses and 
artillery. Sir Robert Aske, of Aughton, was 
chosen commander. This formidable army, ani- 
mated with all the enthusiasm of religious zeal, 
surrounded the castle of Pontefract, and obliged 
Thomas Lord D'Arcy and the Archbishop of 
York, who were therein, to deliver it to them. 
These insurgents called themselves the u Pilgri- 
mage of grace," Lord D'Arcy and the archbishop 
took their oath, viz. " To enter into the pilgrimage 
of grace for the love of God, the preservation 
of the king's person and issue, the purifying of 
the nobility, expelling all evil blood and evil 
counsellors, for no particular profit to themselves, 
nor to do displeasure to any, nor to slay nor 
murther any for envy ; but to put away all 
fears and to take afore them the cross of Christ, 
his faith, the restitution of the church and the 
supression of heritics and their opinions." Cer- 
tain it is, that though Lord D'Arcy and the 
archbishop pretended want of provisions to hold 
out the castle, yet they were suspected pf favour- 
ing the rebels, for they continued with Aske, 
and were named as two of his deputies to treat 
for peace. A general pardon being granted, 
the rebels dispersed, and Aske being ordered 

* Sir Richard Baker says forty-five thousand. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 143 

to court was well received, but Lord D'Arcy 
not complying, was taken and sent to the tower, 
and afterwards beheaded. Aske * leaving the 
court without leave, was also taken and executed, 
and hung in chains on a tower in York. 

At the dissolution of abbeys, one William 
Tindall, Esq. of Brotherton, raised a tumult in 
this borough. When the persons who were ap- 
pointed by government to appraise the goods in 
St. Giles' church, had entered the church to 
discharge their office, W. Tindall, attended by 
a servant with a spade and mattock, went through 
the town and up to the market-cross, and made 
the following ludicrous address, which at least 
indicates his spirit and attachment to the super- 
stitions which had hitherto prevailed. " If there 
be any person/' cried he, " that Jesus Christ is 
indebted to, let him come and make his claim, 
for Jesus Christ is dead, and J have brought 
my man to make his grave and bury him." 
The appraisers came out of the church and asked 
what was the matter? W. Tindall told them, 
cc he was come to bury the body of Christ." 
The appraisers were angry, and bade him take 
care what he said, but he replied, " Surely Jesus 

* It has been noticed, that the family of the Askes were 
the original lords of Kirkby, in the time of the Saxons. This 
Sir Robert Aske, was a person of great abilities, though 
much attached to popery, and an avowed enemy to the refor- 
mation. Christopher, the son of this Sir Robert, built the 
steeple of the church at Aughton, which is yet standing, and 
contains an inscription, which indicates the impression which 
the death of his father had made upon his mind. 

Christofer, le secound flls de Robert Aske 

Chr oblier ne doy anno D'i. 1536 

Vid Gentleman's Mag. 1754. vol. 24*. 



144 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Christ is dead. Was it ever heard that goods 
were appraised before the owner is dead? Ye 
are appraising his goods, therefore I thought he 
Was dead, and what more likely *." 

In the year 1540, King Henry VIII. visited 
the castle of Pontefract. 

After this period, Talbot, Earl of Salisbury, 
commanded the English troops in the marches 
of Scotland. The English army entered Scotland, 
Oct. 21, 1542, and having desolated the west 
marches, returned to Berwick. On the 24th Nov. 
the Scots invaded England with fifteen thousand 
men, and were totally routed at the battle of 
Solway Moss, by a small band under the com- 
mand of Sir Thomas, afterwards Lord Wharton. 
Many persons of the first rank in Scotland were 
taken prisoners; and according to the hospitable 
custom of that time were committed to the 
custody of different nobility. In the quaint stile 
of the Talbot letters, we have an account of 
the following persons being committed to our 
castle. 

" The Lairde of Makreth, of 1001. land in 
the year, to Sir Henry Saville, governor of 
Pontefract castle." 

" The Lord Carlishe, a man of 300 marks 
and more, but hath little in his own hands, be- 
ing witheld from it by rebels; himself remaynith 
in Pontefract castle under Sir H. Saville." 

" The Lairde Johnstone, a gentleman of 100 

marks per ann.; for whom the king's majesty 

hath paid an 100 marks in part of payment to 

■his taker, for his ransom, and himself remainith 

in Pontefract castle." 

* Wilson's MS. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 145 

" Lairde of Grutney and Newbve, between 
them of 40 marks or more, their pledges their 
brother, with Sir H. Saville, for 122 marks*." 

In the year 1545, Lord Maxwell was a pri- 
soner in this castle, concerning whom the fol- 
lowing letter from Henry VIII. was sent to the 
then governor: 

BY THE KING. 

" Trusty and well beloved, we greet you 
well; and, for certain causes and considerations, 
us and our council specially moving, we will, 
and straitly charge, and command you, that ye, 
with all possible diligence, do send the Lord 
Maxwell to our town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 
in safe and sure custody, so that he may be 
here with our trusty and well-beloved counsellor, 
the Earl of Hartford, our lieutenant-general in 
these north parts, on Friday or Saturday next 
at the farthest; and these letters shall be unto 
you a sufficient warrant in that behalf, — and to 
the intent ye may the more surely accomplish 
our pleasure herein according to our expectations, 
we do send unto you herein inclosed a commission 
for taking post-horses by the way, as the need 
shall require. Not failing hereof, as ye tender our 
pleasure, and will answer the contrary at our ut- 
most jeopardy and peril. — Given under our signet, 
at our town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the 22d day 
of September, at eleven of the clock before noon, 
of the 38th year of our reign. 

To our trusty and right-well beloved counsellor, 
Sir Henry Savil, Knt. Steward of our Honour 
of Pontefract, and Constable of our Castle 

* Lodged Illustrations of British history. 

U * 



146 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

there; and in his absence, to his Deputy or 
Deputies there ; in haste, post-haste— for life, 
for life, for life, Delivered to the Post the 
day and year aforesaid." 

No fact of importance occurs during the 
reign of Edward VI. whose piety has embalmed 
his memory, and whose charity schools have con- 
tributed to the instruction of thousands. The 
plague prevailed in the second year of his reign, 
of which many died in this place. 

The bloody reign of Mary, or the more vigo* 
rous, active and glorious one of Elizabeth, is equally 
barren of topographical history. The inhabitants 
of this borough have however one improvement, or 
public convenience* to commemorate, — the erec- 
tion of the conduit in the market-place, for sup- 
plying the inhabitants with water, which was 
finished in the year 1572. 

Queen Elizabeth, some little time before her 
death, repaired and beautified the castle, and 
ordered the chapel of St. Clement, within it, 
which had gone to decay, to be rebuilt. 

In lb03, King James I. in the first year of 
his reign, visited this town on his return from 
Scotland; and after his departure a grievous pes- 
tilence broke out, of which many died. He 
granted the castle and honour of Pontefract to 
the queen, as part of her jointure. Power was 
given in this grant to make leases of her ma- 
jesty's lands for twenty one years, reserving 
the old rents*. 

In the year 1616, the king again visited 
Pontefract in his progress to Scotland, and 
* Lodge's Illustrations. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 147 

viewed the late established college in the castle, 
which still retained its original name of St. 
Clements. 

The year 1625, King Charles I. visited this 
town in his way from Scotland. 

He also created Sir John Saville, Knight, 
high steward of the honour of Pontefract, and 
by letters patent, dated 21st July, the fourth 
of Charles I. advanced him to the dignity of a 
baron of the realm, by the title of Lord Saville, 
Baron of Pontefract. His son inherited the title, 
and was created Earl of Sussex, and the family 
became extinct in his grandson James. 



I4S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 



SECTION XL 

On the civil war, the state of parties, and a 
description of the castle in its perfect state. 

VV E have now reached the period, when the 
war between Charles and the parliament com- 
menced; an event which various causes operated 
to produce, and which, though for a season it 
convulsed, if not destroyed, the regular motion 
of the machine of government, in its conse- 
quences, has tended to adjust its parts; and to 
establish and consolidate that constitution which 
is justly the pride and boast of Englishmen. 

During the vigour of the feudal system, the 
mass of the people were without property and 
without rights. The king and the nobles enjoyed 
the supreme power, and the house of commons 
had no legislative existence. By degrees the 
lower order of the people acquired property; 
and in the struggles between the crown and the 
nobles, their influence was sensibly felt, and 
gave victory to the party they espoused. The 
people became gradually of more weight and 
consequence; and at last attained a part in the 
government by their representatives in parliament. 
The commons, as emanating from the people, 
like the tribunes in Rome, became the constitu- 
tional guardians of their rights and privileges. 

In the reign of James, the representatives of 
the people were respectable for their property, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 149 

their virtue and talents 5 and displayed a firmness 
in resisting the encroachments of the crown, 
which justly entitles them to the admiration of 
a grateful posterity. Not convinced by the potent 
arguments James produced, for establishing the 
divine right of kings, and their absolute power 
to do what they pleased with the persons and 
property of their subjects, they defended the 
rights of the people, and evinced that spirit of 
liberty, which, in the reign of Charles, burst 
forth like a torrent, and swept away whatever 
impeded its course. 

In a word, the increase of trade, the spirit of 
inquiry excited by the reformation; the revival of 
literature, and the diffusion of knowledge by the 
invention of printing; the weakness of James, 
and the arbitrary, impolitic and unconstitutional 
conduct of Charles; all united to kindle the 
flames of this unhappy war, which spread deso- 
lation through the country, subverted for a 
season the church and the throne, and brought 
Charles to a disgraceful end. 

In the year 1542, Charles erected the royal 
standard at York; and called on his subjects 
to aid him in subduing his rebellious parliament. 
The lower orders, for obvious reasons attached 
to freedom, warmly espoused the cause of the 
parliament: whilst the old noble familes generally 
supported that of the king. Most of the lead- 
ing persons in the county of York, in order to 
supply the king's necessities, gave according to 
their ability, some one hundred, others two 
hundred pounds, and up to ten thousand. 

They inlisted men and supported them at 
their own expence. They seized the castles 



150 HISTORY OF PQNTEFRACT. 

within this county, and supplied them with pro- 
visions. The following is a list of the distinguished 
persons who formed the garrison in the castle 
of Pontefract; and signalized themselves by their 
bravery and valour. It is given in the style of 
the writer, who contributed his share in the de- 
fence of this important fortress. 

" A true list of the manner of our watches, 
undertaken by the knights, gentlemen and volun- 
teers in the first siege, with the names of them 
as they were inlisted in their squadrons and 
divisions." 

" The standing officers of the garrison were 
Colonel Lowther*, the governor, advised by 
the pains of his brother, Mr. Robert Lowther." 

" Lieut. Col. Wheatley, Lt. Col. Middletonf . 

* Sir William Lowther of Leeds and Swillington, who 
was the governor of our castle, was a younger son of Sir 
John Lowther, of Lowther, in Westmoreland. The family 
was ancient and respectable. This Sir William Lowther mar- 
ried Jane, daughter of William Busfield, of Leeds, merchant. 
He was one of the council of the north. He purchased the 
Swillington estates of Coniers Darcy, Earl of Holderness, 
which have continued in the family, and are now the property 
of Lord Lowther. He died February 1689, aged eighty, and 
left issue, Sir William and Richard. 

Sir William Lowther married Catherine, daughter of Tho. 
Harrison, of Dancer's Hill, in Hertfordshire, by his wife Ca- 
therine, daughter of Sir John Bland, of Kippax park. This Sir 
William Lowther was sheriff of this county in 1681. 

f Of the family of Lieutenant Colonel Wheatly, the editor 
can give no account. The original seat of the family of 
Middleton, was at Middleton, in Wharfdale. The family is 
very ancient. William Middleton, Esq. in the reign of Henry 
V. removed to Stockeld, near Wetherby. From him descended 
William, who was Lieutenant Colonel of a regiment of horse, 
and among others threw himself into our castle, and with his 
brave colleagues nobly defended it. Attachment to the same 
cause united this family to that of Sir Marmaduke Langdale* 
who after the restoration, was created Baron Langdaie, of 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 151 

Major Dinnis,- Capt. Cartwright, Capt. Munroe, 
Capt. Gerrard Lowther, son of the governor, 
and captain of horse, as was also Capt. Mus- 
grave, bat these have now turned foot, and are 
commanded by Mr. Lowther." 

" The gentlemen volunteers were inlisted into 
four divisions. The first commanded by Col. 
Grey, the second by Sir Richard Hutton, the 
third by Sir John Ramsden, and the fourth by 
Sir G. Wentworth, who had in their divisions 
the following gentlemen." 

First, Colonel Greifs Division. 
Colonel Grey, brother Lieut. Colonel Darcy, 
to Lord Grey, of son to Lord Darcy, of 
Warke *, Hornby f , 

Holme. Peter Middleton, the son of the colonel, married the 
daughter of Marmaduke Langdale, Esq. son and heir of Lord 
Langdale. 

* The Greys were settled in Northumberland, as early 
as the reign of Edward II. This family has produced many 
distinguished warriors and statesmen. William Grey, Esq. [of 
Chillingham, was advanced to the degree of baronet (seven- 
teenth of James) loth June, 1619: and afterwards to the 
honour of the peerage, by the title of Lord Grey, of Warke, 
Feb. 11, the twenty-first of James. He espoused the cause 
of Charles with ardour; and his son followed the example. 
Whether this son was Ralph, who afterwards enjoyed the 
estates and title of his father, is not certain, as Lord Grey 
"had other sons, though none but Ralph survived him. 

t The family of the Darcies came in with the conqueror, 
and received from him the gift of thirty three Lordships in 
Lincolnshire. Different branches of this family settled in the 
county of York. Sir Coniers Darcy was restored to the barony 
of Lord Darcy and Meinell, and to the barony of Hornby 
castle, where he resided, by Charles I. He was strongly at- 
tached to the royal cause; and his son, it appears from the 
command he enjoyed, was animated by the same spirit of 
loyalty. 



152 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Sir Edward Radcliffe, Capt. Huddleston, 

Bart *, Rob. Portington J, 

Sir Francis Radcliffe, — — Grimstone, 

Lieut. Col. Portington f, Vavasour §, pa §. 

Major Huddleston, — — Croft, pa. 

* The family of Radcliffe was settled at Threshfield, in 
Craven. Ralph Radcliffe, Esq. was made high constable of 
the Wapentake of Staincliff, the thirty-second of Elizabeth. 
He left the estates to his son and heir, Charles, who was 
clerk of the peace in the West-Riding, and associate before 
the judges in the northern circuit. He left issue, Edward, 
who married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Hesketh, of Hes- 
lington, near York. It is probable this Edward was advanced to 
the degree of baronet, by Charles ; as the sale of titles was one 
method he adopted to obtain money from his subjects. It 
■was probably the son of this Edward who volunteered in the 
defence of this castle. 

f Portington of Barnby Dunn, an ancient and respectable 
family. Roger Portington was justice of the peace, and suf- 
fered much in the royal cause. He was fined in the time of 
Oliver, the sum of one thousand eight hundred and ninety 
pounds for his delinquency. He enjoyed the rank of colonel, 
and shared in the duties of the brave defenders of this castle. 
He was interred in the church of Barnby Dunn: and a mo- 
nument still remains, recording his virtue, his sufferings and 
his hopes. Vid. Miller's Don. 133. 

| Robert Portington was brother to Roger, and resided 
at Arksey. He was major in Sir William Saville's regiment 
of horse, and distinguished himself by his courage as an officer. 
After the war was over he returned to Arksey, and lived 
some time in retirement ; but after Oliver became Protector, he 
was taken prisoner, and sent to Hull, where he remained till 
the restoration. Being set at liberty, in crossing the Hum- 
ber he was bit by a monkey, and not regarding the wound, 
it gangrened and carried him to the grave. In Arksey church, 
on a stone, near the altar, is the following inscription. 

Hie sepultus Robertas Portington, Strategus, miles insignis, 
Principi q. fidelis; obiit 23 die Decembris, A. D. 1660. 

§ It is necessary to inform the reader, that pa. annexed to 
any name, denotes the person to have been a papist. 

§ The family of Vavasour, of Haslewood, derives its 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 153 

Capt. Wheatley, Capt 

Fumsdale,^o , Hoult, 

■ Seaton, j C0 ' Sayle, pa. 

• — — Wheatley, Mr. John Thimbleby, 

Smith, Mr. Charles Clarkson, 

Tat hum, Mr. TakefieJd, 

Perry, Mr. Hammerton f , pa. 

*, Mr. Stapleton J, pa. 

origin and name from the office they discharged. Qui ex 
munere (Regii enim ohm Valvasores erant) hoc assumpserunt. 
Cambden. It is a very ancient family, and the pedigree may 
be traced up t) the conquest; and several of the family have 
been distinguished as valiant commanders. Sir Waiter Vava- 
sour was born in the year 1613. He raised a regiment of 
horse, and supported them at his own expence. A branch 
of this family resided at Weston, near Otley. Vavasour of 
Weston, married the widow of Edward Saville, Esq. the second 
son of John Lord Saville, Baron of Pontefract, and it is pro- 
bable that one of these was the captain noticed as a volun- 
teer in the castle. 

Another branch of this family settled at Fryston near this 
place. In the computus of the honour of Pontefract, p. 19. it is 
said William Vavasour paid five pounds to the honour for one 
knights-fee, in Fryston, after the death of his brother Henry, 
the thirty-second of Edward III. .1357. In the seventh of 
Henry IV. Sir H. Vavasour paid ten pounds relief for two 
knights-fees, at Water-Fry ston. 

* The MS. is imperfect, where the dotted lines are, and 
the names cannot be made out. 

t The family of Hammerton resided at Purston Jaglin. 
The old hall fronting the public road was their seat. Attached 
to the superstition of their fathers, they continued in the catholic 
church. It is most probable the person here noticed, was one 
of this family; and the other under Sir G. Wentworth's division, 
his brother. 

t The family of Stapleton is ancient; and has been long 
settled at Carieton, near Snaith. A branch of this family un- 
questionably resided at Stapleton, near this town, and either 
gave their name to, or received it from, that of the place. This 
family has continued in the bosom of the catholic church, down 
to the present day. Brian Stapleton is mentioned under Sir G. 
Wentworth's division, a name still continued in the family. 

X * 



T5-4 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACTi 

Mr. Anne *, pa. Mr. Hi^ford, 

Mr.CiuhbutMedcaulph, Mr. Wilkes, 

Mr. John Medcaulpb, Mr. Burton, 

Mr. Abbott, Mr. Hey, 

Cornet Spurgion, Mr. Mast. French, 

— . Harrington, Clergy to this Division, 



Ensign Hearbert, Mr. Hey, 

Mr. Stables, Alderman f, Mr. Oley, 

Mr. Smith, do. Mr. Buchanan, Scotus, 

Mr. Taytam, do. In all forty-eight. 

Second. Sir Richard Huttoris Division. 
Sir Richard Hutton J, high-sheriff of Yorkshire, 

* This is an ancient catholic family; and branches of it 
have settled at Fiickley, Bolton, and Burghwallis. Philip Anne 
took a decided part with Charles, and contributed two hundred 
pounds to the support of the common cause. 

f The loyalty of the corporation of this Borough, was 
strongly displayed by its members. Nine aldermen with the 
mayor, ten out of thirteen, of which number it consists, left their 
houses, and volunteered their service in the. castle. Many of 
them became great sufferers; as their houses were seized by 
the troops of the parliament, and suffered most during the 
siege. 

t The original seat of this family, is Hutton in Cumber- 
land, from which it derived its name. A branch of it settled 
at Goldsborough, near Wetherby. Sir Richard Hutton was 
sergeant at law, and one of the justices of the common pleas. 
He was a man of great legal knowledge; and was justly honour- 
ed for his uprightness and integrity. King Charles used to call 
him the honest judge. His son and heir Sir R. Hutton, in the 
beginning of the war, along with some other gentlemen, seized 
and garrironed Knaresbro' castle, of which he was made gover- 
nor. He did not long retain this post, but either resigned or 
was superseded by some other person, as we find him amongst 
the garrison of York, which surrendered to the forces of the 
parliament, Aug. 16, 1644. Sir Richard Hutton must have 
departed with the honours of war, as he entered our castle im- 
mediate! v, and obtained command of the second division of the 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



155 



Capt. Constable*, 

Musgrave, 

Srandenen, 

Fair burn, 

Croft, 

Lieutenant Smith, 

Antrobus, 

Cornet Nay I or, 

— Bam ford, 

Matthevvman, 



Mr. Toyton, 

George Wentworth, 
James Ellison, 
John Longwith, 
Steven Grammenden, 
James Kendrick, 
M. Burchill, 
M. Hopgood, 
Matthew Suttoiv 
Robert Halyfax, 
Robert Burton, 
William Watson, 
Thomas Walker, 
Edward Gauthrope, 
John Farram, 
Sergeant Fletcher, 

siege, and afterwards joined the 



Mr. Grovener, 
Mr. Atkinson, 
Mr. Preston, 
Mr. Jonstone, 
Mr. Massey, 
Mr. Maddock, 

garrison. He survived the 

king. In the battle of Sherburn, where Lord Dgby and others 

were taken piisoners, he lost his life. 

* Constable of Flamborough, was descended from Fitz 
Eustace Constable, of Chester; and of course sprung from the 
stock, and was connected with the Lacies of Pontefract. Sir 
Robert Constable, in the reign of Kenry VIII. was concerned 
in the rebellion, called the pilgrimage of grace. For this he 
was pardoned, but engaging in another commotion, he was 
beheaded at Hull, and his body hung in chains, June 1537. 
His son Sir Wm. Constable, was, however, admitted to favour, 
and advanced to the degree of Baronet, June 29, 1611. He re- 
membered the death of" his father ; and in the reign of Charles, 
distinguished himself by his enmity to the royal cause. He 
adhered to Cromwell, and was one of those who signed the 
warrant for the king's execution. 

A branch of this family settled at Everingham, in the East 
Riding of this county. Constable of Everingham, ma ried into 
the family of Langdale, and warmly espoused the royal cause. 
He was the Capt. Constable who entered this castle. In many 
instances, we find persons of the same family engaged against 
each other, and the ties of blood and kindred forgotten through 
the influence of political animosity, and rancour. 



156 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Jonathan Heslam, John Oxley, 

Robert Moore, Walter Steele, 

Thomas Senior, Clergy to this Division. 

Mr. Binnes, Mr. Buchanan, 

Mr. Wilson, Mr. Mankenhole, his 

Thomas Monke, peculiar chaplain. 

Third. Sir John Ramsden' s Division. 
Sir J. Ramsden, Bart. * Lieut. Col. Tindall J, 
Sir Jarvis Cutler f, Major Warde*, 

* Sir John Ramsden, of Longley, near Huddersfield. This 
is the original seat of this ancient and respectable family. A 
branch of it resided at Lasscel Hall, near Kirk-Heaton ; and the 
ancient seat was forsaken for the more agreeable one of Byram. 
This family ha? intermarried with the Savilles and Lowthers. Sir 
John Ramsden, the son of William of Longley, married first, 
Margaret, the daughter of Sir Peter Fretchvill, of Stovely, in 
Lancashire, and had issue William and John. To his second 
wife, he married Anne, widow of Alderman Pool, of London, 
This Sir John engaged in the royal cause ; and after the sur- 
render of the castle of Pontefract, at the close of the second 
siege, he entered into that of Newark, where he died. The 
estates and name of this respectable family have descended to 
the present baronet, Sir J. Ramsden, of Byram. 

f Sir Jarvis Cutler resided at Stainbrough , near Barns- 
ley. He fell a sacrifice to his zeal in the cause, and died 
in the castle. 

t The family of Tindall resided at Brotherton. The colo- 
nel was the son of William Tindall, Esq. who excited some 
disturbance in our borough, as was noticed in the time of Henry 
VIII. He was zealously attached to the king, and gave 3001. at 
the meeting at York, to support the war. He outlived his 
royal master, and in the time of Oliver paid 3401. for his com- 
position. 

t Wade, (or Warde) of New Grange, near Leeds, an 
ancient and respectable family. Benjamin Wade rebuilt the 
family seat of New Grange; and was so warm in the royal 
cause, that he considerably involved his estate to support it. 
He sold an estate of 5001. per ann. and spent not less than 
ten thousand pounds in the service of Charles. Was this the 
major in our siege? 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



157 



Major Wentworth, 
Capt. Pilkington*, 

Morrett, 

Horsfold, 

Swillovant, 

Stand eanen> 

Clough, 

Beale, 

Shaw, 

Cornet Herrington, 

Nunnes, 

Lieut. Saville f, 

. Flemming, 

Mr. Barton, 
Mr. Baumforth, 
Mr. Warwick, 
Mr. Stringer, 
Air. Safrone, 

* Pilkington, of Pilkington, in the county of Lancaster. 
One of this family purchased Stanley, near Wakefield ; and a 
branch of this family has resided there ever since. It is pro- 
bable this Capt. Pilkington was a younger son of Sir Lionel 
Pilkington, of Stanley. 

f The Savilles is a very ancient family, in the West- 
Riding of this county. The Savilles of Bradley Hall, near 
Halifax, have married with the best Yorkshire families; and 
the eldest branch of this family has long resided at Methley, 
and was advanced to the honour of the peerage. It is not 
certain, whether Lieut. Saville mentioned in the list belonged 
to the Savilles of Methley, or some other family of that name. 
In Watson's pedigree of the Savilles of Hullenedge, near 
Eland, there is noticed a Gabriel Saville, who was Captain 
of foot under King Charles, and who married the daughter 
and coheiress of Capt. Ralph Rokeby, of Skiers, near Rother- 
ham. Perhaps he was the person who volunteered in the de- 
fence of the castle of Pontefract. 

t It is to the industry and labour of this Capt. N. Drake, 
the editor and the public are indebted for this list of the per- 
sons who defended this castle ; as well as for the very parti- 



Mr, Peary, pa. 

Mr. Will Tindall, 

Mr. Hodgson, 

Mr. Pearry, pa. 

Mr, Keeper, 

Mr. Clarkson, 

Mr. H. Tindall, 

Mr. Foster, 

Mr, Hitchin, 

Mr. Shilito, Mayor, 

Mr. J. Wilkinson, Alder- 
man, 

Mr. E. Wilkinson, Alder- 
man, 

Mr. Lunn, Alderman, 

William Strickland, 

Nathan Drake J, 

Peter Heaton, 



158 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Daniel Morret, Clergy to this Division. 

Steven. Standenen, Mr, Pickrin, 

George Shilito, Mr. Hirst, 

John Oxley. Mr. Cocker, 

In all forty-six. 

cular account of the various events of the siege, which will 
be given. The original seat of the Drakes was Shibden Hall, 
near Halifax; and the family is said to come out of Devonshire, 
where a family of this name had been long settled, and of 
which the famous Sir Francis Drake, whose naval achieve- 
ments have rendered his name illustrious, was a branch. The 
pedigree is traced f.om the time of Edward I. in Watson's 
Hali'ax, down to Thomas, who lived in the time of Henry 
"VIII. who had issue, William, Gilbert, Humphry and Isabella. 
William had issue, four sons and four daughters, of whom the 
second was Nathan, who lived at Godley. The part he look 
in the civil war exposed him to the resentment of Cromwell, 
who deprived him of his estate at Godley. Nathan had issue, 
Samuel, who was bred up to the church, but was expelled 
from his fellowship in St. John's Cambridge; and afterwards 
served the king at the siege of Newark. A'ter the restora- 
tion, this Samuel was admitted to the degree of D. D. was 
made rector of Handsworth, and vicar of Pontefract. He 
wrote the life of his tutor and friend, Mr. Cleveland. He 

married daughter of Mr. Abbot. His eldest son, 

Francis, was M. A. and succeeded him in the vicarage of 
Pontefract. He married to his first wife, Hannah, daughter 

of Paylin, of York, merchant, by whom he had John, 

B. D. prebendary of York, and who succeeded his father as 
vicar of Pontefract. The above Francis to his second wife 
married Elizabeth, the daughter of John Dixon, of Pontefract, 
by whom he had Francis, a fellow of the Royal Society, 
author of the history of York, the parliamentary history of Eng- 
land, down to the restoration ; and also of several tracts in 
the philosophical transactions. He married Mary, the daughter 

of Wood) ear, of Crookhill, near Doncaster, by whom he 

had a son Francis, who was vicar of VYomersIey, lecturer of 
Pontefract, and fellow of Magdalene College Oxford. This 
Francis married a daughter of Joshua Wilson, Esq. of Ponte- 
fract, by whom he had the Rev. Francis Drake, of Walking- 
ton, near Beverley, who is the present lecturer of Pontefract, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 159 

Fourth. Sir G. Wentworth's Division. 

Sir G. Wentworth*, Colonel Vaughan, 

Sir Thomas Bland f , Lieut. Col. Wentworth, 

* Wentworth, of West Bretton, a branch of the ancient 
family of the Wentworths, of Wentworth Wooclhouse, near 
Rotherham. Sir Thomas was a deputy lieutenant of the West- 
Riding of this county, and a captain of the train bands for 
Charles I. He suffered much for his loyalty; but living till 
the restoration he was knighted 27th September. \QQ±. 

Sir G. Wentworth, of Woolley, a bianch of the above 
family. He married to his first wife Anne, daughter of Tho- 
mas Lord Fairfax, of Denton : to his second wife the 

daughter of Christopher Maltby, Esq. and had issue two sons, 
who died young, and three daughters ; Averil, who married 
John Thornton, Esq. ; Frances, who married John Grantham, 
Esq. ; and Ann, who married W. Osbaldiston, Esq. ; S;r Geo. 
suffered much in consequence of the part he took in the war. 
He was fined for his delinquency 31881. 

f Bland, of Blands-Gill, in the North-Riding. Arms, Argent 
on a bend sable, three Pheons Or. Sir Thomas married Ca- 
tharine, daughter of John Lord Saville, of Pontefract and How- 
ley, and sister of Thomas Saville, Earl of Sussex. He had 
issue, first Thomas, second Adam, who married the widow of 
John Girlington, of Thurgoland castle; and two daughters, 
Catherine, who married Thomas Harrison, Esq. of Dancer's 
Hill, in Hertfordshire, and Frances, who married John Belton, 
Esq. of Rawcliffe. 

Sir Thomas Bland, the son and heir of the above Tho- 
mas commanded in Sir G. WentworuYs division, and his 
brother Adam was a major of horse, and one of those who 
issued from the castle and surprised Rainsborough at Doncaster. 
This Sir Thomas married Rosamond, daughter of Francis 
Neville, Esq. of Chevet, near Wakefield. By her he had 
issue, Francis, Adam, Rosamond, and Catharine. Rosamond 
married Martin Headley, Alderman of Leeds, and Catharine 
married John Frank, Esq. of Pontefract. Sir Thomas, like 
most of Charles' friends, suffered greatly in his cause, and was 
lined 405l. by Oliver. As a compensation for his loyalty, 
Charles II. honoured him with knighthood. 

Sir Francis Bland, his son and heir, married the daughter 
of Sir William Lowther, of Preston. He w r as succeeded by 



160 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Major Copley*, Mr. Emson, sen. pa. 

Beaumont, Mr. Hammerton, pa. 

; — Mountain, Mr. Stokes, 



Baron Killowson, Mr. Richard Fisher, 

Capt. Harris, Mr. Rusby, Alderman, 

Ramsden, Mr. Gates, do. 

Benyon, Mr. Austwick, do. 



Hardwicke, Mr. Glitennor, 

Washington*)*, Cornet Andshoy, 

Mr. Jervise Neville, — Sanderson, 

Mr. Thimbleby, sen. pa. Lieut. Cooke J, 

Mr. Andrew East, pa. Cutbert, 

Mr. B. Stappleton, pa. Mr. Fairmaine, 

Sir Thomas Bland, who dying young the estate came to Sir 
John Bland, who was for many years a worthy representa- 
tive of this borough, and built a new steeple to St. Giles* 
church. 

* The family of Copley has been long seated at Sprot- 
brough ; and intermarried with that of Fitzwilliam. Sir George 
Copley was knighted by Charles II. and it is probable was 
the person who engaged in the cause of his royal father, and 
was major in our castle. 

-)• A family of the name of Washington enjoyed a large estate 
at Adwick-le Street. The register of baptisms in the church 
there, proves that this family was there settled as early as 1548, 
and many of this name are also interred there. The Wash- 
ington who contributed to the defence of our casde, was most 
probably one of this family. 

N. B. It has been said that the famous General Wash- 
ington, sprung from them. It is certain, that the ancestors of 
the general emigrated from Yorkshire; and like many who 
departed to America, were zealous friends of religious and 
civil liberty. 

+ Lieut Cooke, might probably be one of the respectable 
family of that name, which has been so long in, or near Don- 
caster. Branches of this family have intermarried with the most 
respectable families in that neighbourhood; and a considerable 
part of the estate belonging to the Yarboroughs, originally of 
Snaith Hall, came to the present G. Cooke Yarborough, Esq. 
of Streetthorpe. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 161 

Mr. Allot *, Richard Dobson, 

Mr, Fenton, Richard Beaumont, 

Joseph Oxley, Clergy to this Division. 

Richard HelklifFe, Dr. Bradley, 

Daniel Fielding, Mr. Lister, 

Thomas Wiggleskirke. Mr. Mason, 

Thomas Motherby, Mr. Barley, 
Gilbert Grey, In all forty-four. 

The list which has been given cannot fail 
to gratify a laudable curiosity, by imparting 
considerable information respecting the brave 
defenders of our castle. Many of the respectable 
families, whose ancestors distinguished themselves, 
by their loyalty, prudence and courage, still re- 
main in this neighbourhood; and the more humble 
names of many others continue likewise in the 
borough and surrounding villages. 

Before we come to detail the event of that 
siege which ultimately led to the demolition 
of the castle, it is deemed necessary to give a des- 
cription of it in its perfect state ; that the reader 
may form some conception of the strength and 
grandeur of this celebrated fortress, once esteemed 
one of the greatest and strongest in England. 



* Allot of Crigglestone and Bentley, a family respectable 
for property, and united by marriage with the Wentworths 
and Copleys. The Allot who volunteered in the defence of 
our castle was most probably Edward, the son of John Allot, 
of Crigglestone. A Richard Allot settled at Bilham Grange, and 
married Grace, daughter of G. Wentworth, Esq. of Bretton. 
Part of the Crigglestone estate is now the property of J. 
Allot Esquire, of Hague HaJI, the eldest male branch of this 
family. 



162 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 



THE CASTLE OF PONTEFRACT 

Is built on an elevated rock, and commands the 
most extensive and picturesque views of the sur- 
rounding country. The north-west prospect takes 
in the beautiful vale, along which flows the Aire; 
skirted on each side with woods and plantations, 
and ornamented with several elegant and beau- 
tiful seats. It is bounded only by the hills of 
Craven. The north and north-east prospect is 
more extensive, but the scenery not equally stri- 
king and impressive. It presents little more 
than a view of farm houses and villages; and 
all the bolder features of a fine landscape are 
wanting. The towers of York minster are 
distinctly seen, and the prospect is only bounded 
by the limits of vision. The east view is equally 
extensive, but more pleasing. While the eye 
follows the course of the Aire towards the Hum- 
ber, the fertility of the country, — the spires of 
several churches, and two considerable hills, 
Bray ton Barf and Hambleton Haugh, which rise 
in the midst of a plain, and one of which is co- 
vered with wood, relieve the prospect and consider- 
ably add to its beauty. The south-east view, which 
takes in a part of the counties of Lincoln and Not- 
tingham, though extensive, has nothing deserving of 
notice. The south and south-west prospect comprises 
a rich variety of grand and sublime objects. The 
towering hills of Derbyshire, stretching towards 
Lancashire form the horizon; while the fore- 
ground is enlivened by a view of gentlemen's 
seats and a picturesque country. 



K 



S^ 






K 
















..' 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 163 

The situation of the castle contributed greatly 
to its strength, and rendered it almost impreg- 
nable. It was not commanded by any contigu- 
ous hills, and the only way it could be taken was 
by blockade. 

In its perfect state, the state-rooms of the 
castle were large, and accommodated with offices 
suitable for the residence of a prince. The style of 
this building shews it to be Norman; though it 
has received various additions and improvements 
of a later date. 

The first member of this castle which merits 
notice, is the Barbican. This was situated on 
the west side of the outer yard (13) * beyond the 
main guard. Barbicans, were watch towers, de- 
signed to descry an enemy at a distance, and were 
always outworks, and frequently advanced be- 
yond the ditch, to which they were joined by 
draw bridges. This Barbican formed the en- 
trance into the castle, called the west-gate house. 
A similar tower with a draw bridge stood near 
the Booths, (12) and formed the entrance on the 
east, and was called the east gate house. The 
third gate, (14) was called the south gate, and 
opened into the road leading to Darrington and 
Doncaster, at the bottom of what is now called 
the castle garth. This gate led to another in the 
centre of the wall, which runs across the area from 
the east to the west gate; and was called the 
middle gate (15). The north side of this area was 
formed by the south wall of the ballium or great 
castle yard ; in the centre of which wall was the 

* The figures refer to the plate of the castle, and point out 
the situation of the part described. 



164 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

porter's lodge, (8), the grand entrance into the 
yard of the castle. All these gates might be, and 
were frequently used as watch towers. The whole 
of this area was sometimes called the Barbican ; 
and within it stood the king's stables, (10) and a 
large bam, (11). 

Near the Barbican, and close by the west 
entrance into the castle was the main guard, (17) 
a place of considerable magnitude and strength. 

A deep moat or ditch was cut on the west side 
of the castle extending from the west gate, round 
the great tower to the north ; and another on the 
east, extending from the constable's tower along 
to the east gate. 

The wall of the ballium or great castle yard 
was high, and flanked with seven towers, i called 
(1) the round tower, (2) the red tower, (3) trea- 
surer's or pix tower, (4) Swillington tower, (5) 
queen's tower, (6) king's tower, and (7) consta- 
ble's tower. The walls of the ballium had a para-' 
pet, and the merlons were pierced with long 
chinks, ending in round holes, called oilets. 

Within the ballium, were the lodgings and 
barracks for the garrison and artificers, the cha- 
pel of St. Clement (16) and the magazine (9). 

The magazine is cut out of a rock, the descent 
to which is by a passage of four feet wide, and 
forty-three steps to the bottom, Jt is six yards 
over and three broad, with six cavities cut out 
of the sides of the rock, and nine yards in depth 
from the surface of the earth. Near this place 
was a large dungeon, the entrance to which was 
at the seventeenth step of the passage, and was a 
yard in breadth, but it is now stopped up by the 
falling in of the ruins. The wall, as you descend 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 165 

these steps, is inscribed with many names evi- 
dently cut by the soldiers at the time of the siege 
of the castle, and amongst others, we find the fol- 
lowing, who were officers in the castle at that 
period, as will appear hereafter. 

16 Geo. 48 1648 John Smith, 

Beale, John Grant, 1648. 

So strong the zeal t' immortalize himself 
Beats in the breast of man, that ev'n a lew, 
Few transient years, won from the abyss abhorr'd 
Of blank oblivion, seem a glorious prize, 
And even to a clown. 

The entrance into the ballium was usually 
through a strong machiolated and embattled gate, 
between two towers, secured by a herse or port- 
cullis. Over this w 7 ere the rooms intended for tlie 
porter of the castle, the towers served for the 
corps de garde. 

On an eminence at the western extremity of 
the ballium, stood the keep or dungeon, here called 
the round tower. — It was the citadel or last retreat 
of the garrison. — In large castles, it was generally 
a high tower of four or five stories— having turrets 
at each angle, and here we find there were six, 
three large and three small ones. When these 
towers were round instead of square, they were 
called Juliets from a vulgar opinion, that large 
round towers were first built by Julius Cassar. 

The walls of this edifice were always of an 
extraordinary thickness, and having in conse- 
quence withstood the united injuries of time, and 
weather, now remain more perfect than any 
other part of the castle. 

Here commonly on the second story, were 
the state rooms for the governor. The light was 



166 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

admitted by small chinks which answered the 
double purpose of windows, and served for em- 
brasures, whence they might shoot with long 
and cross bows. These chinks, though without they 
had some breadth, and carried the appear- 
ance of windows, were very narrow next the cham- 
bers, diminishing considerably inward. 

The different stories were frequently vaulted, 
and divided by strong arches ; on the top was 
generally a platform with an embattled parapet, 
whence the garrison could see and command the 
exterior works. 

The annexed plate, figure 1 . is a plan of that 
corner of the area of the castle, where the keep 
or dungeon, just mentioned * is situated, and also 
of the principal entrance. 

(a a) Are the, first outward steps; ascend- 
ing from without to the area of the castle. 

(b b) A second very steep flight of steps, with- 
in the ballium, ascending up the artificial mount 
to the entrance of the keep. 

(cc) Is a narrow loop, well secured ; and 
made through a wall no less than eighteen feet in 
thickness. 

On entering the keep, on the right hand, at 
d, are remains of a great staircase, going up to 
the state apartments above, which are now all 
destroyed. 

At e, is a small square room $ probably design- 
ed for the captain of the guard. It is within one 
of the three round towers, mentioned by Leland : 
and all the substance of that tower, beneath this 
room, is solid stone work, quite to the bottom of 
the mount. A circumstance which shews the vast 
* See King on* ancient castles. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 167 

strength of this building, and the improvement made 
on the original mount ; and at the same time exhi- 
bits a curious device for deception, something like 
that of the round tower at Rochester 

The other small tower, being in like manner 
continued down to the ground, beneath the 
mount, contains a very singular, narrow, and most 
irregularly winding, zig-zag staircase ; which 
goes down from the door at /to a small sally-port 
at x ; and moreover leads to what appears to 
have been a well at g, and besides this it terminates 
in one part, in a very frightful small dungeon, 
at z. 

There do not appear to have been even loop- 
holes, or any admission for light or air, unless 
from the door, into the great lower apartment of 
the keep ; only there was a small window in the 
-captain of the guard's room. 

The diameter of the keep is about 63 or 
64 feet. And between f and h is a very re- 
markable appearance ; for after you have as- 
cended a ladder, against the inside of the wall, 
for a few feet, you then look down into a dismal 
square cavity, at h ; about 14 or 15 feet deep, or 
rather more ; but only about five or six feet 
square ; which cannot be conceived to have been 
applied to any other purpose than that of a dun- 
geon ; since t?here is neither loop, nor door be- 
neath ; or any outlet whatsoever : nor does 
there appear the least possibility of there ever 
having been any ; nor could it from its shape and 
dimensions, have served for a staircase, or, for 
drawing up timber and machines of war, or for 
any other purpose, than that of a place of severe 
confinement. In short, it reminds one of the 



168 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

description, given by Sallust, of the Tullianum,, 
in the ancient capitol at Rome : and as it even 
now very well answers to that description, must 
have done so still more, before the upper part 
of the building, with the arches, was destroyed. 

But this is not the only strange place, within 
the inclosure of this formidable castle : for, front- 
ing the foot of the stairs, at a little distance, 
at i, is the square mouth of another well, of a 
most extraordinary kind ; having been either 
a very horrid dungeon, or the inward mouth of 
jsome very singular subterraneous sally-port. It 
is very deep, but quite dry ; the sides are neatly 
lined with stone, and on that which is nearest to 
the foot of the stairs, on looking down, appears 
at a great depth, a very high arch, leading to some 
vault, or passage, as represented, (Fig. 2); where 
it leads to, or for what purpose it actually served, 
may be well worth examining. 

At k, is a very small, wretched chamber ; 
formed in the thickness of the wall ; which had 
two very narrow windows next the court. Here 
tradition says, Richard II. was confined, and 
murdered : but the smallness of the room hardly 
agrees with what is related of the manner of his 
death, by a blow, with a battle-axe, from Sir Piers 
Exton, as his being so murdered was a story ge- 
nerally received and believed. 

By comparing the correspondent members 
of the remains of this castle with the above de- 
scription, a tolerable judgment of what it has bee» 5 
may be formed. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 169 



SECTION XII. 

Events^ during the first Siege. 

-I HE war, which had commenced in the year 
1642, between the king and the parliament, had 
been carried on with various success ; in some 
places the advantage appeared to be on the side 
of the former, and in others, on that of the latter. 
In the month of June 1644, was fought the de- 
cisive battle of Marston-moor, near York ; in 
which the king's army was completely routed, 
and many of his best troops and officers slain. 
In this action Cromwell equally displayed his 
invincible courage, and his admirable talent for 
command. After having vanquished that wing 
of the enemy, to which he was opposed, he pru- 
dently checked the ardor of pursuit; and wheel- 
ing round, found the main body and the other 
wing, of the army of the parliament, had given 
way, and the enemy ready to take possession 
of the baggage and amunition. Having collected 
the troops together, and occupying the same 
ground the enemy had occupied at the commence- 
ment of the action, he made an irresistable charge 
and decided the fate of the day. The enemy 
lost their ordnance and artillery, and were pur- 
sued with great slaughter to the gates of York. 
It is computed that near 8,000 fell on the field 
of battle. 

The appearance of Cromwell in the political 
z * 



170 HISTORY OF POHTEFRACX. 

hemisphere like that of a portentous comet, shed 
a deadly influence on the royal cause. Victory 
attended his course; and from an inferior officer, 
he rose to the rank of chief commander; and 
at last, having put down the powers which 
raised him, he assumed the supreme government 
of the kingdom. 

The victory of Marston was followed by the 
speedy surrender of York; and detachments of 
troops were sent to besiege the castles occu* 
pied by the king's friends; and among the rest 
that of Pontefract. The command of the de- 
tachment sent here was given to Colonel Sands, 
who, in the month of August, 1644*, fell in with 
a party of the enemy, sent out to protect some 
cattle, routed them, took all the cattle, and 
made forty horse prisoners. 

Col. Sands, for some time, rather watched 
the motions of the enemy, and endeavoured to 
cut off their foraging parties, Hhan to form 
a regular siege of the castle. The strength of 
the place, and the courage and prudence of the 
royalists, rendered a much greater force than 
he possessed necessary, to undertake the siege 
with any prospect of success. To have done 
more than he did, would have been rashly to 
expose his men to the fire of the enemy, with- 
out being able to return it with effect. 

The success of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and 
others, in subduing the castles of Helmsly and 
Knaresborough, set the troops which had been 
on that service at liberty; and they soon marched 
to the assistance of Col. Sands. Sir Thomas 
Fairfax, as the superior officer, now enjoyed 
* Whit. 100. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 171 

the command: and in the beginning of December, 
1644, he drove in the garrison, took possession 
of the town, and on Christmas day closely be- 
sieged the castle *. 

Some of the besieged, protected by the fire 
of their friends from the castle, kept for a few 
days possession of the low church. The enemy, 
sensible of the importance of the church, as a place 
of defence and security, prepared to dislodge the 
royalists; and on the 29th December, 1644, they 
drew up and commenced their attack. The 
royalists defended the church for some time with 
resolution and courage; and their friends in the 
castle made there sallies, in order to repel the 
enemy, or at least to cover the retreat of their 
brave comrades. Their efforts were not crowned 
with success; for the enemy obliged them to re- 
treat, and obtained possession of the church. 
In this action the royalists lost Capt. Waterhouse, 
of Netherton, three privates, and eleven wounded. 
The loss of the enemy, though victorious, was 
much greater. They are said to have had sixty 
killed and forty wounded f. 

On the retreat of the royalists, eleven men 
and boys, who had been stationed in the steeple, 
were left to defend themselves. They could ea- 
sily withstand the superior force of the enemy 
from the nature of their situation. They had 
however an enemy to encounter which threatened 
soon to subdue them. They were destitute of 
provisions ; and unless soon relieved must of ne- 
cessity surrender at discretion. They endured 
the force of hunger and thirst for five days and 
nights, and at length, effected their escape by a 
* Whit. 102. f Drake's MS» 



172 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

method as bold as dangerous. By means of a 
rope, which they had probably taken from the 
belfry, having descended to the roof of the 
western part of the church, they let themselves 
down to the ground. While engaged in this at-- 
tempt they were discovered by the enemy, and 
though exposed to a hot fire, only one was killed, 
and Capt. Joshua Walker wounded in the thigh: 
the rest escaped to the castle in safety f. 

No day passed without some effort on the 
part of the besieged to annoy the enemy. By 
the fire of the musketry from the towers, aud 
by frequent sallies they cut off numbers, and ob- 
tained partial advantages over their opponents. At 
length the cannon which had been employed in the 
siege of Helmsly and Knaresbro* castles arrived; 
and the besiegers being in possession of the ris- 
ing grounds around, began to erect their bat- 
teries in order to storm the castle. They oc- 
cupied the house of Alderman Lunn, who, in 
the cause of royalty, had relinquished all the 
sweets of domestic repose for the toils and dangers 
of war. In his back yard the first battery was 
erected*. Previous to the commencement of their 
attack, Lord Fairfax, who had now joined his 
son Sir Thomas, sent the following letter to the 
governor of the castle. 

u To the commander in chief of Pontefract 
castle. 

" In performance of the trust reposed upon 
me by the parliament for the service of the pub- 
lique, and particular safety and preservation of this 

f Drake's MS. 
* Another was raised on Baghifll, which afterwards did the 
most execution. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 173 

country, / have marched part of the troops under 
my command to Pontefract for the recovering of 
that castle, which hitherto hath opposed the par- 
liament and enfinitely prejudiced the country, 
to obedience of the king and parliament, the zvkich 
I desire may be effected without the effusion of 
blood, and to that end now send you this sum- 
mons to surrender the castle to me for the sei> 
vice of the king and parliament, which if you 
presently doe, I will engage my power with the 
parliament for your reception unto mercy and 
favour therewith, but your refusing or deferring 
the same will compel me to the trial of success 
which I hope will prevaile for the publique good. 
I shall expect your answer to be returned to me 
by Col. Forbes, to whom I have given farther 
instructions in that behalfe." 

« FER. FAIRFAX*." 

On the receipt of this summons, the governor, 
who only wished to gain time, answered the mes- 
senger verbally, <c that the matter was of great 
consequence, and would require some time to 
consider of it ; — that he would call the gentlemen 
of the castle together, being many of good quality, 
and consult with them about it, and would then 
send an answer, which should be sometime to-mor- 
row morning at the farthest." Col. Forbes, to 
whom this answer was delivered, replied, " that it 
should be welcome to him, if it came not too late," 
and then departed. 

* Drake's MS. 
The words in Italic are obliterated in the original, but 
the editor presumed the words supplied were most probably 
those used by the writer. 



174. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT- 

The conduct of the governor soon discovered 
his real intentions, and evinced that the an- 
swer he had given was only designed to amuse 
and impose on the enemy. He had already be- 
gun to erect a battery against that which the 
enemy had erected on Baghill $ and during the 
night, he employed sixty men, to complete it, and 
to line the battlements and strengthen the walls 
on the side which would be most exposed to the 
fire of the enemy. 

The governor prepared the following answer 
to General Fairfax's letter. 

€€ According to my allegiance to which I am 
sworn, and in pursuance of the trust reposed in 
me by his majestie, I will defend this castle to the 
utmost of my power, and doubt not by God's 
assistance, the justice of his majestie's cause, and 
the vertue of my comrades, to quell all those that 
shall oppose me in the defence thereof, for his 
majestie's service, for the blood that is like to be 
lost in this action, let it be upon their heads who 
are the causes of it. This is my resolution, 
which I desire you to certify to the Lord 
Fairfax." 

cc From your affectionate friend, 

RICHARD LOWTHERV 

The besiegers, the next morning, perceiving 
the works of the besieged, and convinced that .they 
had no inclination to surrender, did not wait 
for the governor's answer, but opened a dread- 
ful fire upon them. For three successive days 
they continued to cannonade the south side of 
the castle, in which period they discharged one 
* Drake's MS. 



JHSTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 175 

thousand and thirty-four balls. On the 19th 
January, having directed the battery against 
Pix tower, this massy pile gave way; a consi- 
derable part of it fell down, and by its fall carried 
the castle wall along with it, by which means 
a breach was made*. 

Whilst the besiegers thus assailed the castle, 
the besieged were ^not inactive. A shot from 
the castle hit a match belonging to the besiegers, 
and some sparks falling into the powder, it im- 
mediately blew up and killed twenty-seven men. 
By a well directed fire of musketry the be- 
sieged obliged the enemy to keep their distance, 
and frequently did considerable execution f. 

A breach being now made, the besiegers 
indulged the hope that the castle would be sur- 
rendered. On the 2 1st of January, 1644-— 5, 
Col. Forbes sent a drum to the gate of the 
castle, which beat a parley. The governor sent 
to know his business, and understanding he 
brought a letter from Col. Forbes, he sent word 
that unless the enemy ceased firing, he would 
not receive any letters. In consequence of this, 
command was given, by Col. Forbes, to the en- 
gineers to discontinue firing till further orders. 
As soon as this command was obeyed, the 
drummer was ordered to go down to the lower 
gate, where, being admitted, he delivered the 
following letter. 

* Two brothers of the name of Brigges, who lived at the 
halfpenny house, in the road leading to Wakefield, standing 
together under the Pix tower, were unfortunately killed by its 
fall. 

f About this period the besieged lost Capt. Maulet, who 
was shot through the head whilst standing on the top of the 
round tower. Capt. Smith was wounded by a piece of stone 
broke by a musket ball, but soon recovered. 



176 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

"Sir, 

1 desire to have possitive answer 
of the summons sent in upon Thursday last, 
that I may give an account to my Lord (who 
is now here) of your resolutions; and likewise 
1 desire to know whether Mr, Ogale is exchanged 
for Lieut. Brown or for money, and if for 
money for what summe." 
« Sir, 

I shall remain your friend, 

WILL. FORBES." 

On the receipt of this, the governor sent the 
letter he had before written to all the gentle- 
men in the castle, for their advice and approbation ; 
and to know whether they were willing to run all 
risks, and to hold out to the last extremity. They 
fully approved of the letter, and engaged to de- 
fend the castle, and support the governor with their 
lives and fortunes. The governor then dismissed 
the drummer with the fore-mentioned letter to Col. 
Forbes. 

On the refusal of the governor to surrender, 
the besieged expected the enemy would immedi- 
ately make an assault, and endeavour to enter 
the. breach which had been made. They percei- 
ved from the castle the horse drawn up in the 
Park, and a part of their infantry ready to march, 
with sprigs of rosemary in their hats. The go- 
vernor commanded the drums to beat to arms, and 
the trumpets to sound on the battlements ; and 
then ordered the soldiers to their posts. The gar- 
rison continued under arms the whole afternoon, 
expecting the enemy with great cheerfulness. 

Although the enemy had made a breach, and 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 177 

continued a very heavy fire against it, and king's 
tower, they made no attempt to storm the castle. 
The courage and resolution of the garrison, and 
the dangers of an assault, so dispirited the enemy, 
that many deserted and fled, for fear least they 
should be ordered on this service. The besiegers had 
expected that the garrison would have been incli- 
ned to surrender ; and when they found this expec- 
tation was unfounded, they lost their confidence, 
and for some time did little more than keep on 
their defence. 

Information had been sent to Lord Fairfax, 
that it was expected the castle would be surren- 
dered. His lordship, accompanied by his son Sir 
Thomas came here, and were received with the 
honour due to their rank. Feu de joys were fired, 
and guards of horse and foot were appointed to 
receive and attend them. On viewing the breach, 
and considering the determined valour of the gar- 
rison, his lordship judged it more advisable to 
continue the blockade, than to sacrifice his men 
in a dangerous, and perhaps fruitless assault. 
Having given orders accordingly, he returned to 
York. 

While the siege was thus carried on here, 
various altercations took place in the parliament. 
The Earl of Essex was charged with neglect of 
duty, and an intention to prolong the war, instead 
of bringing it to a speedy conclusion. At length 
the self-denying ordinance, as it was called, was 
brought into the house; and, on the failure of the 
treaty of Uxbridge, after violent debates, it was 
passed. By this ordinance, every person was 
disqualified for any military command, who en- 
joyed a seat in either house of parliament. The 

a a * 



178 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACTV 

chief command of all the forces of the parliament 
was now conferred on Sir Thomas Fairfax *, who 
was engaged in the siege of Pontefract castle. 
Col. Lambert was appointed commissary general 
of the army of the north, and ordered to- post 
down to take the charge of the troops, when Fair- 
fax should quit that station, in which by his steady 
conduct, he had obtained the confidence of both 
houses. 

The besieged as soon as the fire of the enemy 
was remitted, began to repair the breach which 
had been made. Captain Munroe, and Captain 
Fay bar ne, were sent out to view the extent of 
the breach, which they found not to exceed a 
yard. The men were ordered to dig and carry 
earth, and by this means the breach was soon clo- 
sed ; and the besieged were delivered from all fear 
of an assault. 

The garrison, nearly cut off from any sup- 
plies found their ammunition greatly reduced, 
and were under the necessity of using it more 
sparingly. As the enemy had been well suppli- 
ed with this article, and continued to pour in their 
shot, the governor allowed his own men 4d. 
for each ball of the enemy any of them might 
bring to him. Thus encouraged, the men often 
at the hazard of their lives, sought the shot of 
the besiegers, and were so successful as to obtain 
in this way no inconsiderable supply. 

The besiegers seeing no prospect of taking 
the castle by the breach which had been made, 

* " Sir Thomas Fairfax/* says Baxter, " was a gentleman 
of no quick parts or elocution, but religious, faithful, valiant, 
and of a grave, sober, resolved disposition; neither too great 
nor too cunning to be directed by the parliament." Life p. 48. 



HISTORY OT PONTEFRACT. 17J 

began to mine, in order to blow up some of the 
towers, and make a larger, which would not admit 
of defence. They sprung one mine from the hos- 
pital, at the east end of the castle, and drove it 
towards king's tower. They sprung another from 
the house occupied by one Ward, and carried 
it under the moat, towards the round tower, 
which they intended also to blow up. . On the 
discovery of this attempt, the garrison began to 
countermine. They sunk several pits within 
the castle, and commenced their mines from 
thence. They also sunk several without the 
castle, near to the walls. The number of pits 
within and without the castle, is said to have 
been one hundred and ten or twelve*; from 
whence they mined under the castle walls, 
and could have mined from one place to ano- 
ther all round, if it had been necessary. 

The besieged, in the beginning of February, 
continued a regular fire against the enemy, 
and much damage was done in various parts of 
of the town. Several houses were destroyed in 
Mickle-gate, and on the 17th some gentlemen's 
houses at the lower end of North-gate, occupied 
by the besiegers, were cannonaded, on which 
the besiegers set them on fire and departed. 

The besiegers were continually annoyed by 
the garrison, and on the 22d above thirty were 
killed. The work of slaughter went regularly on, 

* Drake's MS. A tradition has prevailed concerning 
various subterraneous passages belonging to the castle. One of 
these is generally believed to have extended into the park. 
Doubtless, there were various secret sallyports; but is it not 
probable, that the mines and pits which Mr. Drake mentions 
have given rise to such traditions? 



180 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and Englishmen, divided into hostile and irrecon- 
cileable parties, rejoiced in each others destruction. 
On the 24th of February, the besiegers re- 
ceived an additional force of two hundred and 
fifty men. They came over Ferrybridge, and 
one part marched through the park to the town ; 
and the other to the low church, on their ap- 
proach toward which, the garrison gave them a 
furious discharge of musketry and cannon; and 
it was thought did much execution, as in the 
night they fired two volleys, which was supposed 
to be at the funeral of a commander. 

The besieged were now reduced to great 
straits for want of provision ; and they found it 
would be impossible for them to hold out much 
longer, unless they could obtain supplies. The 
governor sent with Mr* Corker sixteen men to 
join Prince Rupert, and to acquaint the king 
with the situation of the garrison. The king 
was not willing to loose a fortress of such im- 
portance, or to suffer so many brave men to 
fall into the hands of the enemy, without an 
attempt to relieve them. 

Although the treaty of Uxbridge was still 
pending, there was no hope of any accommo- 
dation; as the king was unwilling to yield any 
thing; and from his letter to his queen, it ap- 
pears he was determined to support the catholics, 
and maintain all his pretended prerogatives. 
From the achievements of Montrose, in Scotland, 
and the divisions in parliament, he seems to 
have indulged the hope that in a little time 
his enemies would be obliged to submit to any 
terms he might choose to dictate. He however 
judged it prudent to send Sir Marmaduke 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 181 

Langdale, with a body of two thousand horse, 
to raise the siege of Pontefract castle. 

On receiving his orders, Langdale departed 
from Oxford, and under the colours of the enemy, 
marched through several of their quarters, and 
soon reached Doncaster. On the 28th February, 
the garrison received information of his approach, 
and anxiously awaited that contest which was 
to decide their fate; and either bring them re- 
lief, or by disappointing their hope, oblige them 
to submit, however reluctantly, to surrender the 
fortress to the enemy. 

The besiegers on the same day received in- 
telligence, and not knowing the strength of the 
royalists, took every precaution to secure their 
cannon, ammunition and stores. They set fire to 
several houses below Monk-hill, least they should 
afford a cover to the besieged in the expected 
action. The troops were stationed on the south 
and south-west of the town, to be ready to re- 
ceive the enemy. Col. Lambert and Col. 
Forbes had the command of the forces, but re- 
ceived possitive orders from Fairfax to stand on 
their defence, and if possible to avoid an action, 
till some additional troops had come up to their 
assistance. 

About three o'clock in the afternoon, on 
the 1st March, Langdale was seen from the 
castle on the top of the hill, on this side 
Wentbridge. He marched on to Darrington, 
and then wheeled to the left by Carleton, and 
formed for action in the Chequer field. The 
two armies faced each other till near six o'clock, 
the cavalry of the parliament retreating as Lang- 
dale advanced, till they came to some of their 






182 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

infantry, which had been stationed behind the 
hedge. Lambert, without waiting for any addi* 
tional troops, now attacked the enemy with 
great impetuosity, and the fire of the infantry 
from the hedge, so galled Langdale's horse, that 
they were driven back. At this critical moment 
the garrison sallied forth, and coming upon the 
rear of Lambert's infantry, turned the fortune 
of the day. The chief contest was near this 
hedge. The same ground was lost and regained 
four or five times; but Langdale's horse return- 
ing to the charge and some of the parliamentary 
troops cowardly flying without making the least 
resistance, Lambert was under the necessity of 
sounding a retreat. 

The forces of the parliament fled without 
order towards Ferrybridge: and more perished 
in the pursuit than in the action. The enemy 
hung on their rear till they reached the bridge, 
where they were for some time protected by a 
cannon which had been placed there. It was 
loaded with grape shot, and being discharged 
killed four men belonging to the garrison. The 
troops on the bridge were instantly attacked, 
and driven from it, with the loss of their field 
piece. The flying parties of the army were 
pursued between Sherburn and Tadcaster. 

In the action Lambert himself was wounded, 
and many of his officers slain, among whom 
were Col, Armin, Col. Thornton, and Col. 
Malary. In the Chequer field, where the bat- 
tle commenced, and in the pursuit to Ferry- 
bridge, he lost about one hundred and sixty 
men. In the contest at Ferrybridge, and in 
the pursuit to Sherburn, it is supposed about 



HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. 183 

one hundred and forty more were killed. Near 
seven hundred were taken prisoners, among 
whom were fifty-seven officers. Twenty-two 
stand of colours belonging to the infantry, which 
were all they had, were taken; and twenty 
standards of horse, one iron piece of ordnance 
and twenty carriages; thirty -four double barrels 
of powder and a proportionate quantity of match 
and bullet, together with two thousand stand 
of arms, fell into the hands of the victors. 

Sir Marmaduke Langdale returned to the 
castle, between ten and eleven o'clock the same 
night, having quartered his troops in the towns 
and surrounding villages. A body of cavalry 
were stationed at Featherstone, and another at 
Houghton. These were commanded by Langdale 
Sunderland, Esq. of Ackton, who had raised a 
regiment of cavalry for the king, and supported 
them at his own expence. He was connected 
with the family of Sir Marmaduke Langdale by 
marriage, and accompanied that general in most 
of his enterprizes. 

Lord Fairfax, on the news of Langdale's ap- 
proach, had ordered the Yorkshire forces to 
march with all speed to Pontefract. He had 
himself departed to bring them up; and on his 
way was apprized of the defeat of his own .troops 

* Langdale Sunderland having purchased Ackton, removed 
there from High Sunderland, near Halifax, the ancient seat of 
his family. He spent fifteen hundred pounds per annum in 
the royal cause, and suffered considerably in the time of Oliver; 
but like many others, after the restoration, was neglected and 
forgotten. He lies interred in Featherstone church. His grand- 
son Peter sold the Featherstone and Ackton estates to Edmund 
Winn, Esq. from whom it has descended to Sir Edmund 
Mark Winn, Bart, the present possessor. 



184 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

before the castle. In the same night a part 
of the Yorkshire infantry had pushed forward as 
far as Glass -Houghton, and falling unexpectedly 
on the body of Langdale's horse, quartered there, 
routed them, and took one hundred horses, and 
made several men prisoners *. The Lord Fairfax, 
with the cavalry, hastened to their assistance, 
but the fight was over before his arrival. 

The rallied forces of the parliament now 
joined his lordship, and in a few days he was 
at the head of a formidable army. 

Sir Marmaduke Langdale, having relieved 
the castle, after refreshing his men with a few 
days rest, retreated to Doncaster, and from 
thence to Newark. In this march he had nine 
passes to dispute; and had twelve skirmishes 
with the enemy, in which he vanquished nine 
thousand men. 

Thus ended the first siege of Pontefract castle, 
during which the garrison had given the strongest 
proofs of their fortitude, prudence and courage. 
The besiegers had lost in killed more than five 
hundred men, and near one thousand prisoners; 
while the besieged had not lost in all more 
than one hundred. They were not however suf- 
fered to exult long in their victory, for on 
Langdale's departure, the troops of the parlia- 
ment again collected, and the garrison had to 
sustain a second siege, which at length ended 
in an honourable surrender. 

* Whitlock. p, 136. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 185 



SECTION XIII. 

Events during the second Siege. 

1 HE garrison availed themselves of the oppor- 
tunity they now enjoyed of providing as ample 
a supply as possible for future contingencies. 
They made several excursions, and levied heavy 
contributions on the surrounding country. They 
seized the cattle, and laid in a stock of pro- 
visions. Necessity, they considered, destroyed 
the claims of private right; and whatever they 
could seize, they deemed it proper to take for 
their own use. The inhabitants of the town 
and the surrounding country, were alternately 
exposed to the exactions of the royalists and 
parliamentarians; and were equally insecure 
which ever party prevailed. 

On the 11th of March, Capt. Laborne and 
another taking a ride from the castle, towards 
Wentbridge, and meeting with Mr. Ellis, of 
Brampton, a great sequestrator*, and a quarter- 

* Sequestrators were persons appointed to examine into 
the conduct and morals of the clergy ; and such as were 
'* scandalous in their lives, and ill-affected to the parliament," 
they had the power to present to a committee of the house, 
which committee in consequence ejected them from their liv- 
ings, and appointed others to officiate. The royalists detested 
the sequestrators. 

Mr. Ellis was a highly respectable character, and from a 
just concern for the interest of his country, and of the Protes* 
tant religion, embraced the cause of the parliament. His son, or 
grandson, Geo, Ellis, left a good farm at Brampton to build 

s b * 



186 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

master, took them both and brought them pri- 
soners to the castle. They afterwards made ex- 
cursions to Turnbridge beyond Ackworth, a 
small station belonging to the" enemy, which 
they attacked, and took Lieut. Col, Lee, Lieut. 
Col. Ledger, and three horses. 

On the 15th, a party went out towards Don- 
caster, and meeting with Col. Brandling's regi- 
ment, they routed it and took one major, one 
lieutenant, and about one hundred horse. Ano- 
ther party, on the same night, paid a second 
visit to Turnbridge, and plundered the enemy's 
storehouse of whatever it contained. 

The reappearance of the troops of the parlia- 
ment soon checked the garrison, and put an 
end to their excursions. On the 21st, a consi- 
derable body took possession of the upper town. 
Capt. Redman w^as killed .near the Brigg, and 
three others belonging the garrison taken pri- 
soners. The enemy were not sufficiently strong 
to surround the castle, and th^ garrison continued 
still in possession of the lower part of the 
town, from whence they could be always sup- 
plied with w 7 ood and provisions. 

The besiegers, fully convinced that the castle 
was impregnable, and that the courage and loy- 
alty of its defenders could not be subdued, un- 
less by famine, began to intrench themselves, 
and to form a regular blockade. They took 
possession of the New-Hall, Monkhill, and Bag- 
hill, where they cut trenches and erected strong 
works. The besieged endeavoured to prevent 
the construction of these works; and by daily 

and endow a charity school there, for the instruction of the 
children of the poor of Brampton and West Melton, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 187 

sallies, and a heavy fire from the castle*, they 
greatly annoyed the enemy. 

A party from the garrison made a sally on 
the 28th, and attacked the intrenchments on 
ijaghill, killed two of the enemy, and then re- 
treated without loss. In the night of the 31st, 
Capt. Smith, with thirty men, w 7 ent forth, and 
unexpectedly falling on a barn which the enemy 
had converted into a guard-house, routed the 
guard, and killed four men. 

The besiegers, notwithstanding these attempts 
of the garrison, and the losses they daily sus- 
tained, continued to work at their intrenchments, 
and converted different houses and barns in the 
town, into guard-houses. The houses of the alder- 
men, who had fled to the castle, and volunteered in 
its defence, were immediately occupied ; among 
which, as being best situated for the purpose, 
those of Alderman Lunn, Rusby, and Oates, are 
particularly mentioned. 

The garrison, equally bold and watchful, 
availed themselves of every opportunity, of im- 
peding the works, and diminishing the numbers 
of the enemy. On the 1st of April they as- 
saulted the guard at Monkhill, and killed ten 
men; one was also shot at the low church from 
the king's tower. 

On the 4th a vigorous and successful sally 
was made by three companies, consisting of 
thirty men each. Alderman Rusby's house and 
barn were assaulted, one captain and three pri- 
vates were killed, the rest dispersed, and the 

* On the 22d the besieged fired fifteen cannon into the 
town and other places, and had a woman shot through the 
hand, and a man through the thigh, on the round tower, by the 
same bullet, but neither of them were killed. On the 24th they 
fired three cannon to the house of one W. Booth, in the park. 



188 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

house and barn set on fire. The different sen- 
tries, near the low church, were also attacked, 
and compelled to retreat with the loss of one 
taken prisoner. 

The besiegers, in consequence of this sally, 
drew up their forces, and lined the hedges from 
the park to Denwell, with infantry. They erected 
their standards at the top of Skinner-Lane, which 
the besieged perceiving, directed their cannon 
against them, and beat them down. 

The besiegers were not long permitted to 
enjoy repose, but from the activity of the gar- 
rison were almost incessantly kept on duty. On 
the 5th a party of horse under the command 
of Capts. Washington and Beale, and forty mus- 
keteers, under the command of Capt. Smith, 
sallied forth against the enemy. The horse 
fought with great bravery, and compelled the 
enemy to retreat into the town, and to double 
the number of their cavalry j who then returned, 
and renewed the attack, supported by one hun- 
dred musketeers, who lined the hedges. Though 
the enemy kept up a heavy fire, the party 
from the castle maintained their ground, and 
took in their presence, two butchers coming 
into the town loaded with meat, which afforded 
a seasonable repast to the garrison. 

On Easter-Sunday the rancour which pre- 
vailed in each party displayed itself. The go- 
vernor had solicited Col. Forbes to permit him 
to buy some wine in the town, for the sacra- 
ment; and Col. Forbes, with that spirit of libe- 
rality which distinguishes the gentleman, readily 
granted a protection to any person the governor 
might send into the town for that purpose. 
But the men on duty refused permission $ and 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 189 

one Browne, of Wakefield, observed, " If it was 
for their damnation they should have it, but 
not for their salvation ;" language which suffici- 
ently evidences his narrow mind, bigotry and 
prejudice. 

The garrison having attended divine service, 
were ordered to arms. Strong parties were 
commanded to sally forth in different directions, 
and to make a combined and general attack on 
the enemy's works. Capt. Washington and Capt. 
Beale commanded the horse, attended by fifty 
musketeers, under Gapt. Munroe. Capt. Flood 
commanded another body of fifty musketeers. 
To each of these bodies were added twenty-five 
men, taken from the volunteers, who served 
under the four colonels within the castle; twelve 
were taken from Sir Richard Hutton's division, 
commanded by Capt. Croft, ten from Sir G. Went- 
worth's, commanded by Capt. Benson ; and ten from 
Sir Jarvis Cutler's, commanded by Capt. Ogleby. 

The first party sallied out of Swillington 
tower, up Northgate, and made a long and a 
desperate attack upon the enemy's works, 
which were as nobly and bravely defended. 
The other party sallied out of the lower gate, 
to the low church, and having dispersed the 
guards, they turned up the south side of 
the town, by the halfpenny-house, to the enemy's 
trenches, where a similar attack was made. While 
these parties were engaged with the enemy, they 
were in part protected and considerably assisted 
by the fire of their friends from the castle, la 
these rencounters the principal Joss fell to the 
share of the besiegers, having one hundred and 
thirty killed, besides the wounded; the besieged 



190 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

had only two men killed and two wounded. 
They took one prisoner, a quantity, of muskets 
and swords, and one drum*. 

On the evening of the same day, Capt. 
Smith, Capt. Ratcliffe, and Lieut. Wheatley, with 
an hundred men, again sallied forth up North- 
gate, and thence into the market-place, where 
they kept up a severe fire, and did great exe- 
cution for near an hour. In this attack the ene- 
my^ powder was set on fire, and blew up about 
twenty men, near Mr. Lunn's house, many of 
whom were killed, and the rest so burnt that 
there was little hope of their recovery. 

Although the besiegers suffered much, they 
received various reinforcements, and carried oil 
their works with diligence and success. If the 
besieged by their bold and well-conducted sal- 
lies compelled them to retreat with loss, their 
numbers were inadequate to maintain the works 
the besiegers had left; and in their turn they were 
obliged to retreat to the castle for their own 
security. The spirit, the valour, and the perse- 
verance of the besieged, effected all that was 
possible. 

On the 7th they made another sally to Bag- 
hill, where they killed one man and took another 
prisoner with two horses. The musketeers from 
the castle protected them, and by a vigorous fire 
killed eight or ten men in the trenches. 

The following day they repeated their attack 
against the enemy's works on Baghill, but on 
the whole were unsuccessful. The enemy hav- 
ing retreated and doubled the number of their 
horse, and bringing one hundred musketeers* 
* Drake's MS. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT; VJl 

compelled the party from the castle to retreat; 
which they effected without loss, Lieut. Moore 
being only wounded by a shot in the arm*. 

At this period a body of troops under the 
command of Sir John Savillef, which had 
been employed before Sandal castle, came to 
strengthen the besiegers here. They were princi- 
pally stationed at the New Hall, and during 
the remaining part of the siege, they suffered 
much from the sallies and fire of the garrison. 

The besieged continued their attacks on the 
10th. The fire of the cannon and musketry did 
considerable execution. About twenty of the 
enemy were killed in their different works, du- 
ring the day; and in the night the cannon 
was discharged twice, loaded with grape shot, 
into the trenches at Baghill, where the cries 
of the enemy indicated the slaughter which was 
made. 

Alderman Thomas Wilkinson, who had with 
many others, entered into the castle, was on 
the 12th unfortunately killed by a shot from 
Baghill, whilst standing near the gate of the 

* On the 9th a Lieut. Perry, with another, met one of 
the enemas scouts on Baghill, and run him through ; but 
his companion fleeing, and the enemy approaching, he was 
obliged to leave both the man and the horse. On relieving 
the sentries the fire from the castle killed two men and one 
woman. The besieged saw from the castle the besiegers send 
off five waggons with the wounded. 

f Sir John Saville, of Methley, the son of Sir John who 
had married, to his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Tho. 
Wentworth. Esq. of North -Elm sail. This Sir John married, 
to his first wife, Mary, daughter of John Robinson, of Rither, 
Esq., and was high sheriff of Yorkshire, in the twenty-fourth 
of Charles I. He espoused the cause of liberty and freedom,- 
and exerted himself on the side of the parliament. 



192 HISTORY OF POttTEFRACf. 

barbican. Thus were one party watching the 
other; and an individual could not make his ap- 
pearance without being exposed to the fire of 
his enemies. How dreadful is that unnatural 
state of society, which destroys that respect and 
regard which man should feel for man; and im- 
poses it as a duty for one to become the exe- 
cutioner of another! 

The besiegers on the 13th drew up three 
or four troops of horse, as if they intended to 
form in a body for some important enterprize. 
About noon a considerable number formed on 
the sand bed, below the -New Hall, on perceiv- 
ing which, the besieged discharged the cannon 
from king's tower, dismounted a whole file, killed 
two men and their horses, and severely wounded 
four others. 

The besieged, by firing from the towers, 
endeavoured to protect the cattle, which they 
sent out of the castle to graze in the adjoin- 
ing meadows. The besiegers on the other hand, 
availed themselves of every opportunity of shoot- 
ing at the cattle, and of compelling the be- 
sieged to drive them in again for the purpose 
of security. This gave rise to various, and al- 
most daily, skirmishes, which seldom terminated 
without the effusion of. blood. On the 14th a 
party of the enemy attacked the cattle, near 
Swillington tower, but a heavy fire of musketry 
from the tower, compelled them to retreat, and 
saved the cattle. 

On this day the enemy received three loads of 
ammunition, and the garrison counted five troops 
of horse more than they had hitherto observed. 
They conjectured, that, as the treaty of Ux* 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 193 

bridge had failed, and as it was the king's in- 
tention to raise the siege of Chester, and to de- 
tach a part of his forces to recover his authority, 
into Yorkshire, a general engagement in this 
part was expected, as an army of three thousand 
Scotch now lay at Leeds, Knaresborough, York, 
Cawood, Selby, and Pontefract. 

This day a sally was made by about twenty 
musketeers, without any commander, except one 
of their companions, distinguished for his per- 
sonal courage and conduct, called Wm. Wether, 
alias Belwether. They approached one of the 
enemy's barricades, near the New Hall, bravely 
attacked it, and drove the men away, who fled to 
their horse guard. The assailants began to de- 
molish the work, and continued their employ- 
ment till they observed the enemy's horse ready 
to charge, when they retreated without loss in- 
to the castle *. 

The same night Wm. Belwether, attended 
by six of his companions, fell on the enemy's tren- 
ches, near Broad Lane end, killed three men, 
and an officer dressed in a buff coat and black 
scarf, supposed to be Col. Eden, dispersed the 
rest, and returned in safety. 

On the 15th various attacks were made by 
the garrison, but without much loss to the be- 
siegers. In a sally made on some part of this 
day, the garrison suffered a severe loss in the 
death of Col. Tindall, Lieut. Col. Middleton, 

* Drake's MS. On the afternoon Lieut. Perry observing 
five of the- foot belonging to the garrison, engaged with four 
of the enemies horse, near Baghill, rode to their assistance, 
attended by Sir Jarvis Cutler's man, rescued them, and brought 
them back to the castfe. - i -■ - . . . .••- 

c c * 



IS* HISTORY OF.PQtfTEFRACT. 

and other officers, as well as many soldiers of 
inferior rank *. 

A vigorous and successful sally was made 
on the 16th, Capt. Hemsworth, with fifty mus- 
keteers, went, out of the lower gate lo the tren- 
ches, near Alderman Lunn's house; and Capt. 
Mun-roe, with other fifty, from Swillington tower, 
up North-gate, to the enemy's upper trenches. 
These were assisted by fifty gentlemen volun- 
teers, drawn from the four divisions as before 
noticed. A party of horse, under Capt. Beale 
and Cornet Speight, were stationed near Baghill; 
to prevent the horse of the enemy giving any 
assistance to their infantry during the attack. The 
two parties assaulted the enemy's trenches with 
great bravery, and compelled them to retreat to 
another trench, nearer to the bridge. The loss 
of the besiegers in this skirmish was about fiity, 
•in killed, wounded, and taken; amongst the for- 
mer was one lieutenant, and in the number of 
the latter was Capt. Wade, seven drummers, 
and sixty stand of arms. The next day the 
enemy was observed to carry away seven wag- 
gons loaded with wounded men. 

On the 18th the besieged discovered about 
forty oxen and milch cows, belonging to the 
enemy, grazing in the fields. Impelled by the 
privations they suffered, they formed the design 

* Whitlock, p. 142. It is singular that Mr. Drake 
gives no account of this sally, nor of the loss the garrison 
sustained. As parties were often sent out of the castle to 
Sandall, and other places belonging to the king, it is probable 
this party might be sent out for this purpose, and being ak 
tacked before the) had cleared the enemy's works, were over* 
powered by numbers ; and the fact not being known to Mr. 
Drake, till some time after, he forgot to notice it. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 195 

of attacking the enemy and seizing the cattle. 
-A body of horse commanded by Capt. Beale and 
Cornet Speight, and another of infantry, under 
Majors Bland and Dinnis, sallied forth and com- 
pletely effected their design, seizing all the cat- 
tle, and returning to the castle without the least 
loss. 

About an hour after this the besiegers re- 
ceived a reinforcement of six hundred Scotch 
horse and foot, under the command of CoL 
Montgomery. The supply the garrison had just 
obtained was very seasonable, as they were now 
completely beleaguered. They gave the Scotch 
a. warm reception on their arrival, keeping 
up a heavy fire from the castle, by which 
several were killed, and among these were Capt. 
Hamilton, and other officers. 

This being the market-day the besiegers 
drew out a considerable body of cavalry and 
musketeers, on. Baghill, to protect the butchers 
and others coming to the town, and to prevent 
the garrison obtaining a supply of fresh provi- 
sions; but the besieged by a well directed lire 
from the towers, obliged them to disperse, and 
quit their station. 

A party of the Scotch from Monkhill lined 
the hedges, and assaulted the musketeers, sent 
from the garrison to protect the cattle whilst 
grazing, but were repulsed. 

On the following day the besieged set fire 
to the lower side of Monkhill, and at three dif- 
ferent times compelled the enemy to retreat from 
their works. No considerable advantage was ob- 
tained, nor did the enemy suffer materially in 
these rencountres*. 

* Drakes MS, On the same day three privates dis* 



196 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT* 

On Sunday the 20th the Scotch fired the 
upper part of Monkhill, and began entrench- 
ments from Bondgate Mill towards their barri- 
cades, at Cherry Orchard Head; and from 
thence raised several strong works to the top of 
Monkhill. 

The besieged, in order to annoy the enemy 
on Baghill, began to raise a mount within the 
barbican, where they intended to plant the only 
large iron cannon of which they were possessed *. 
The besiegers perceiving their design, continued 
a steady fire against the men employed in ma- 
king the platform. On this and the following 
day the work was, notwithstanding, carried on 
and completed. 

The besieged fired several cannon on this 
day, one of which shot through the enemy's 
barricades, behind the School-house, and as there 
were many men there, it is supposed it did 
great execution. 

By some mistake, the Scotch run to arms, 
and taking a party of their own men for cava- 
liers, fired upon them, and killed a major, be- 
fore their mistake was discovered. 

The Scotch continued to strengthen their 

played their courage, by sallying forth up Grange Lane, and 
attacking the Scotch in their works at the top of it, and com- 
pelling them to retreat. 

* There was found in the park closes about fourteen years 
ago, a ball weighing fifty-eight pounds and upwards; and as 
it must have been diminished by time, it couid not have weighed 
less originally than sixty pounds. The ball is now in the possession 
of Mr. Mitton, of Spittle Hardwick. Whether this was the 
caliber of the cannon in the castle, or of one possessed by 
the besiegers, is not certain. There have been many balls 
found in and near the town, of the weight of forty pounds. 



HISTOTre "OF PONTEHtACT. 197 

Works, but -did not extend them further ; and 
on the night of the 22d marched away through 
the park, and were replaced by troops com* 
manded by Sir J. Saville. 

-From this time the besiegers regularly brought 
up parties to Baghill, which were posted be- 
hind the hedges and v in the trenches/ and kept 
a constant watch on the garrison, and when oppor- 
tunity offered, they poured in their shot, which 
the besieged in like manner returned. In these 
attacks many lives were lost on both sides ; but 
it does not appear that the besieged were ever 
able to sally beyond the enemy's works, so that 
from this period they were completely surrounded. 

On receiving intelligence that the king had 
raised- the siege of Chester, and obtained some 
advantages over his enemies, the besieged began 
to indulge the hope that they should be again 
speedily relieved. What gave strength to this 
hope, was the information which a woman, 
taken by Belvvether, imparted. This woman 
asserted that the besiegers would remain only 
two or three days longer before the castle, and 
that the troops of the parliament would be col- 
lected together, to wait the approach of the 
royal army. Though this information was true 
as far as respected Chester, the conclusion drawn 
from it was never realized. The expectation of 
the besieged was wholly disappointed by the 
disasters which. befel the royal army. 

The besiegers received a reinforcement of 
one hundred and fifty men, on the 26th. They 
came by way of Ferrybridge to the New Hall, 
where they kept a very strong guard. In the 
night they -sent one hundred men from the up- 



i$$ HlS!ZORtt~ OF -.PO.NTEFSRAST. 

per towirto Baghill, where they threw up -a trench. 
While the besiegers were thus employed in pre- 
paring for their own security, the besieged sal- 
lied forth in strong parties to prevent the ac- 
complishment of their design, About -sixty men, 
commanded by Capt. Smith, and Lieut. Saville, 
sallied out of Svvillington tower, up Northgate, 
where they greatly alarmed the enemy, who 
beat to arms, both in the town and through 
aji their trenches. A brisk fire was kept up on 
both sides for about half an hour, and the be- 
sieged retreated without any loss. Another 
party sallied out of the east gate at the same 
time, and drove the besiegers from their sentries 
to their works, near the New Hall. 

The besiegers carried on their works on Bag- 
hill, and kept about one hundred musketeers 
stationed there, who were regularly relieved by 
the same number from the upper town. So 
vigilant were the besiegers on Baghill, and so 
vigorous and constant their fire, that the be- 
sieged were closely confined; nor could they 
send out their cattle to graze without extreme 
danger. 

The garrison now began to suffer many pri- 
vations, and fresh meat was considered a great 
luxury. On the 27th some of the besieged see- 
ing three hogs, which had strayed down to the 
Broad Lane end, rushed out of the barbican, 
and at the hazard of their lives, drove them into 
the castle. This incident shews more clearly 
than any language the state of the garrison. 

•During the night the enemy employed one 
hundred men in completing the trenches on 
Baghill, and oa the following morning these 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. X99 

were relieved by one hundred and fifty from the 
town, who continued at the same work through 
the whole of the day. 

A party of the besiegers' horse drew up 
about noon, and marched through the park to 
Ferrybridge; on seeing which a number of bold 
and resolute men rushed out of the castle, with- 
out any commander, and bravely assaulted a 
troop under Sir J. Saville; gave an alarm to 
their guard at the New Hall, and. having killed 
and wounded as many of the enemy as equalled 
their whole number, they retreated with safety 
to the castle. 

During the night of the 28th the besiegers 
employed at least three hundred men on their 
intrenchments at Baghill. The next morning, 
the garrison, to preserve some of their cattle 
alive, ventured to send a few of them to graze 
around the castle; but the enemy's works being 
now so near, they were soon compelled to drive 
them back> with the loss of one cow and two 
horses. 

The governor, hearing nothing satisfactory 
of the king's affairs, and perceiving the increa- 
sing force of the enemy, came to a resolution 
to send four of his officers to Newark, to inform 
his Majesty of the state of the garrison, and 
to obtain, if possible, relief. In the night of 
the 29th the four officers departed from the cas- 
tle, attended by twenty musketeers, who at- 
tacked the enemy up Northgate, while their 
friends pushed forward and cleared their lines. 

On the 30th the besiegers relieved their 
guard on Baghill, .with one hundred and fifty 
men at least, and through the whole of the day 



200, HISTORY OF' PONT EFRACT. 

a heavy fire was kept up on both sides.; The 
besieged had one horse killed in : the barbican, 
and the enemy had several men killed ' and 
wounded by the musketry from the round tower. 
During the night the besiegers burnt a house, 
called Hill hall house, occupied by one * Gates, 
on Monkhill; and another small house near the 
castle walls. The poor inhabitants were thus 
expelled from their cottages; and at this unhap- 
py period were not only exposed alternately 
to the rapacity of the besiegers and the besieged, 
but compelled to seek a peaceable abode else- 
where. 

The 1st of May the enemy relieved their 
guard on Baghill, and began to erect a strong 
triangular work, which they walled with stone 
and filled with earth. The besieged planted their 
cannon against this work, and by a well-directed 
shot greatly annoyed the enemy. -Within the 
work the officers and men were regaling them- 
selves with ale, but on the discharge of -the 
cannon they betook themselves to their deep 
trenches. 

Several sallies were made by small parties 
against the besiegers at Monkhill; and as these 
parties were covered by the fire of the castle, 
their loss w T as commonly much inferior to that 
of the enemy. The troops of Sir J, Saville 
were this day several times driven from their 
works, with the loss of some killed and more 
wounded. In the afternoon three of the garrison, 
without orders, issued forth against the enemy. 
They gave fire freely, and displayed the greatest 
personal courage and resolution. They continued 
their -assault, till the enemy- began -to collect, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 201 

when they retreated, exposed to their fire. One 
of them, Nathaniel Sutton, a barber, was shot 
through the shoulder into the body, and in- 
stantly fell. Another, Capt. Dent, was wounded, 
■receiving a fracture in the skull, but recover- 
ed again. A ball entered the doublet and grazed 
up the back of the third, who had stooped 
to avoid the fire of the enemy, by which his 
life was preserved. 

The enemy cut down branches of trees, 
and made blinds at the ends of their work on 
Baghill, where they placed a long drake, belong- 
ing to Sir J. SavihVs troops, and on the fol- 
lowing morning opened a fire on the castle, but 
after having fired about eisrht times it was re- 
moved again. The besiegers lost in killed and 
wounded this day near twenty men; and the 
besieged had one man shot in the head, who 
instantly expired. They also suffered a loss 
in one of their oxen, which the enemy shot 
whilst grazing; but a party from the castle suc- 
ceeded in bringing it off. 

On the 3d there was little firing on either 
side. The enemy kept close in their trenches, 
and the besieged, in the castle. The latter 
however were more straitened, and the loss they 
sustained from the destruction of their cattle 
began to be more severely felt. "They had two 
oxen and a mare shot on this day, but secured 
the carcases. 

A deserter fled into the castle, on the fol- 
lowing day, and gave the besieged information 
respecting the state and numbers of the enemy. 
A number of royalists who har 1 been taken pri- 
soners, near Newark, were brought to Ponrefract, 

d d * 



202 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and exchanged for an equal number of the 
enemy within the castle. 

On the 5th, and some following days, the 
enemy relieved their guard on Baghill, with not 
more than thirty or forty men, and from this 
part of their works there was very little firing. 
On Monkhill they made ways through all the 
houses which they had burnt, till they came to 
one which had been occupied by a widow Tup- 
man, where they kept their centries, and from 
whence they continued a constant lire. From 
their works in Paradise Orchard, in the Trinities, 
and from Alderman Lunn's and Rusby's houses, 
they continued a heavy and vigorous fire against 
the round tower, and the north part of the 
castle, which the besieged returned, and partial 
losses were sustained on both sides. 

Having in a measure rested on their arms 
for a few days, on the 9th each party recom- 
menced a strong and galling fire. The besieged 
shot an officer and one soldier at their works, 
at the top of Broad Lane, The name of the officer 
was Capt. Coulartes. The besiegers, in order to 
complete their lines, about four o'clock in the 
afternoon, set fire to several houses and barns 
in different parts of the town. From North- 
gate towards Micklegate, they set on fire two 
barns, which were joined together, the one be- 
longing to Mr. Shilito, the mayor, and the 
other to Mr. Batley. From thence they pro- 
ceeded in consuming all the houses aud malt- 
houses, till they reached Micklegate, amongst 
which were several excellent buildings; particu- 
larly one newly erected, belonging to Mr. Bat- 
ley. They then crossed the street, and set fire 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 203 

to Alderman Wilkinson's house. The fire of 
these houses and barns, raged with violence du- 
ring the whole of the night ; and the besieged 
fired several cannon into the town, which did 
considerable execution, and added to the horror 
of the scene. 

The besiegers had suffered much from the 
sallies of the besieged from Swillington tower. 
They now determined to confine the garrison 
by the erection of strong works on Monkhill. 
Having once formed the resolution, they soon 
carried it into execution. The work was in the 
form of a half-moon or crescent, and while it 
afforded protection to the besiegers, it consider- 
ably annoyed the besieged. If they made a 
sally up Northgate they were exposed to the 
fire of the enemy, from Monkhill; and the most 
determined valour of the besieged was unavailing. 
It is impossible to ascertain what human na- 
ture can endure, when supported by the plea- 
sing delusion of hope, or animated by the energy 
of a party spirit. The more men suffer in the 
cause they have espoused, the stronger their 
attachment frequently becomes; the importance 
or glory of the cause is thought sufficient to 
justify all the sacrifices they make, or all the 
sufferings they indure in its support. The truth 
of this remark is established by the spirit of 
the garrison on the evening of the 12th. While 
recounting their deeds of valour, and conversing 
on the cause they had hitherto maintained, a 
general enthusiasm was enkindled; and not hav- 
ing any more reviving liquors, they drew water 
from the new well, and drank the health of the 
king, and of all his good friends. They pledged one 



204 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

another, and engaged to be faithful, and hold 
out the castle to the last extremity. On recei- 
ving these pledges, they rent the air with shouts 
and halloos. The besiegers, on hearing the noise 
of rejoicing, run to their arms, drew up their 
horse, and doubled their guards, supposing that 
either a vigorous sally would be made, or that 
the garrison had received some good news. The 
tattoo in the castle, at length relieved the ene- 
my from their fears, and the night passed in 
tranquillity. 

The following day a strong fire was kept 
up on both sides. The besiegers had two killed 
and several wounded. The loss they daily sus- 
tained, made them keep close within their 
trenches; and they rarely made their appearance 
unless when they relieved their guards. The 
besieged observed the enemy send off toward 
Ferrybridge three or four waggons loaded with 
goods, which led them to believe that they were 
preparing to depart. What strengthened their be- 
lief was, that on the following day the enemy 
drove a considerable number of sheep and cat- 
tle the same road ; but it was afterwards found, 
that these were sent to York, for supplying the 
troops there with victuals. The garrison on 
this day were deprived for a season of the ser- 
vices of Cornet Thurley, who, while standing 
in the Barbican, was wounded by a shot in 
the arm. 

The enemy received a reinforcement of a 
troop of horse from Doncaster, which joined 
the main guard at the New Hall. The whole 
of the enemy's horse was afterwards drawn up 
in the park; aad their number appeared const* 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 205 

derable. The losses the besiegers sustained were 
soon made up by the arrival of fresh troops, 
while the garrison was gradually diminished in 
numbers, and still more weakened by the pri- 
vations they suffered. 

On the 15th a party from the castle sallied 
out of the east gate to the low church, in order 
to obtain some wood for firing. Two lieute- 
nants of the enemy observed them, but before 
they could retreat, or bring up any of their 
own men to their assistance, they were at- 
tacked, aud Lieutenant Thompson, after being 
wounded, was taken and brought a prisoner 
into the castle. About two hours afterwards a 
drum was sent to propose an exchange of Mr, 
Thompson for an officer of the same rank, 
wiio was a prisoner at Cawood. About twelve 
o'clock at night Belwether, who had been 
sent to Newark seven days before, returned 
and brought letters from his majesty containing 
joyful news. As the king had now a re- 
spectable army, and was pushing forward into 
the southern counties, where it was conceived 
he would possess a decided superiority, it is pro- 
bable the letters received had a reference to this 
subject. 

The news the garrison received inspired them 
with fresh courage, and on the following day a 
vigorous sally was made to Monkhill, and the 
enemy were driven from their works to their 
mam-guard, at New Hal!. Another party at- 
tacked the work below the old church, on per- 
ceiving which, the enemy drew about thirty 
men from the barn in the grange, and com- 
menced a brisk fire upon them. The party 



206 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

from the castle retired to a close and thick 
orchard, from whence they returned the fire 
for near half an hour, and then retreated into 
the castle. In the night another party issued 
from the castle, intending to destroy a new 
work the enemy had raised at the bottom 
of the abbey closes. The besiegers had by some 
means received information of their design, and 
had lined all the hedges with infantry; so that 
the moment the party from the garrison sallied 
out, they were exposed to a brisk and heavy 
iire. They returned the fire for some time with 
spirit, and then retreated in safety, having only 
two men slightly wounded. It was supposed 
that a woman, who had gone out of the cas- 
tle, had given intelligence of their intended at- 
tack, and thus frustrated their intentions. 

The next day the besiegers had one man 
shot from the round tower, in the market-place; 
and the besieged suffered a similar loss of a 
man, who was going out of Swillington tower. 
A drummer was sent from the town, and a 
trumpeter from the Lord Montgomery's brother, 
to the castle. The latter was ordered to the 
governor's chamber, and after a stay of half an 
hour was sent back. He informed the besieged 
that the parliamentary troops did not exceed 
eight thousand men, in all the surrounding country. 

On Sunday the 18th, after attending prayer, 
and sermon in the castle, the governor ordered 
all the men to their arms. Old Major Warde 
was sent to the mount in the barbican to watch 
the towers, that none might make any signal 
with hat, hand, or handkerchief, or any other 
thing, to give the enemy notice of their pro- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 207 

ceedings. Capt. Smith, Capt. Flood, Ensign 
Killingbeck, and Sergt. Barton, went first over 
the drawbridge towards MonkhiJl. Capt. Smith, 
with thirty men, went up Denwell Lane, to 
the outworks at the back of Monkhill, and hav- 
ing beat the enemy from thence, scoured the 
trenches to the lowest work. Capt. Flood and 
Ensign Killingbeck charged up the High Street 
to Monkhill top, where they fired the houses 
and demolished the works of the enemy, and 
were joined by Capt. Smith and his party. 
Another party, under the command of Capt. 
Munroe, Ensign Otway, and Sergt. Coupland, 
consisting of seventy men, sallied out by the 
old church to the lowest works of the enemy, 
and beat them from thence. Having set fire to 
an adjoining house, they charged up the lane to 
the grange barn, and there found several, who 
were sat after their dinner drinking healths to 
the upper house of parliament; these were in- 
stantly attacked, and every man slain. They 
next proceeded towards Monkhill, and joined 
the other parties at Cherry-Orchard head, near 
New Hall. Lieut. Gilbreth, Lieut. Willowby 
and Lieut. Warde, with seventy men, were sta- 
tioned at the low church, and Major Warde 
and Lieut. Favell, with forty men, lined the 
walls in the low barbican. These formed a corps 
de reserve, designed to assist their friends in 
case the enemy had marched to the aid of their 
companions, either from the town or from Bag- 
hill. The different parties succeeded in every 
direction, and being all united, near the New- 
Hall, charged the enemy at the very gates, 
and drove them from all their trenches over St. 



208 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Thomas* Hill, towards Ferrybridge. In this at- 
tack the enemy Jost about sixty men killed, and 
as many wounded. 

The party from the castle, on their return, 
seized the hats, arms, &c. of those they had slain. 
They likewise rifled their pockets, and as their 
own pay was much in arrear, the little they ob- 
tained afforded a seasonable supply. They 
brought also into the castle a quantity of swords, 
muskets, halberts, drums, saddles, spades, &c. 
and in every trench was found a bag of pow- 
der and some match which had been left by 
those who fled. The garrison lost, in this sally 
Cornet Blackley, a brave and enterprizing officer, 
and had one man wounded, and another taken 
prisoner. In the evening the enemy sent two 
waggons loaded with the wounded to Ferrybridge. 

The loss the besiegers had sustained checked 
their ardor and abated their courage. The fol- 
lowing day they lay close in their trenches, 
and scarce one man appeared. The besieged 
encouraged by the success of the preceeding 
day, raised great shouts from the towers, and 
by crying out a " prince, a prince," alarmed 
the enemy, who fetched up their horses from 
grass, saddled them and drew up in Grange 
Lane. A strong party came from the town -to 
Baghill, and another to New-Hall, to strengthen 
their guards there. During these movements 
the besieged shot several of the enemy. 

The besiegers had their losses soon repaired 
by the arrival of considerable reinforcements, 
both of foot and horse. They came from Fer- 
rybridge by a circuitous march, under the hill 
from Darrington to the West Field, and from 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 209 

thence into the park. The besieged had their 
eye upon all their motions, and fired their can- 
non from Treasurer's tower against them. The 
shot killed two men, and the rest marched off 
behind the park ridge, where they abode. The 
fire of muketry from the round tower annoyed 
the enemy in their works at Baghill, and several 
fell there. 

The 21st be : ng a very rainy day, both 
parties continued quiet till the afternoon. A 
small party of the besieged w T ent to the low 
church to obtain wood, and the enemy imme- 
diately opened a vigorous fire in all directions 
upon them, which compelled them to retreat 
without accomplishing their object. At the 
same time about five hundred men, with drums 
beating and colours flying, marched through, the 
lower part of the park, in single files, to the New 
Hall, to relieve their guards there. The troops 
commanded by Sir J. Saville, since their arri- 
val, had been kept on constant duty. They had 
scarce ever enjoyed a night's repose, and suf- 
fered severely by the different sallies the garri- 
son had made. They now quitted the danger- 
ous post they had for some time occupied, 
and in the evening marched into the town, 
where they found the repose and refreshments 
nature demanded. 

The governor received letters from his Ma- 
jesty and Sir M. Langclale on the 22d, con- 
veying the pleasing information that a royal 
army was advancing for the relief of the castle. 
On receiving this intelligence the expectation of 
the garrison was raised, and they accompanied 
their friends coming to their assistance " with 

e e * 



210 v HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

hearty desires and earnest prayers for a prosper- 
ous blessing upon their endeavours." One Han- 
son also arrived from Sandal castle in the night, 
confirming this information. 

Whether the king, at this period, had any 
real intention of sending a part of his troops to 
raise the siege of the castles of Pontefract and 
Sandal, or whether the letters sent were only 
designed to raise the hopes of the garrison, and 
encourage them to a vigorous defence, till op- 
portunity occurred of affording them effectual 
assistance, is not certain; but the latter ap- 
pears most probable, as the king was now 
marching with all his forces into Leicestershire. 

On the following day the enemy kept up 
their fire from Baghill against the castle, but 
did no execution. The besieged received infor- 
mation from Skipton Castle and Latham Hall, 
that these places which had been reduced to 
the greatest distress for want of provisions, had 
been happily relieved, and had obtained a supply 
of sixty head of cattle and other necessaries. On 
the same day there came into the castle, one Blag- 
bourn, a clothier, and another tenant of Major 
Beaumont's, who rejoiced much at the welfare of 
their landlord. The garrison considered this as a 
favourable sign, that they should soon be relieved, 
as these tenants evidently came to regain the 
the favour of their landlord, in case such an 
event should restore him to his estates and 
liberties. In the night a fire was made on the 
top of Sandal Castle, which was answered by 
one from Pontefract .Castle, by which it was con- 
sidered that good news had been received. 
The governor received information that the gar- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 211 

rison in Scarboro' Castle bad made a vigorous 
and successful sally, in wbicb the besiegers had 
lost three hundred men, and that all their can- 
non had been spiked. 

The 24th, as early as three o'clock in the 
morning, the besiegers commenced a dreadful 
fire against the round tower, which continued 
for the greatest part of the day. It was sup- 
posed they were irritated on account of the 
fire the besieged had kindled on the round tower 
the proceeding night, and the joy they disco- 
vered on receiving intelligence of his Majesty's 
success. The besieged were in suspense, and 
did not know whether the enemy were now 
preparing to take the castle by storm, before 
the army of the king came up to their assist- 
ance; they however resolved, in case of such 
an attempt, to defend it as long as possible, 
and to surrender it only with their lives. 

On this day a poor woman, who was ga- 
thering potherbs, was wounded in the thigh by 
a shot of the enemy, but not dangerously. In 
the afternoon four men from the castle went 
down to the old church, where a small party 
of the enemy were stationed. They did not 
wait the attack, but all shamefully fled except 
one lieutenant, who threw stones at them so fast 
that for some time they were not able to 
enter. At length one Thomas Lowther, a bold 
and courageous soldier, closed in upon the lieu- 
tenant, and would have taken him prisoner, had 
he not been at that moment wounded by a 
shot in the leg, which the enemy perceiving 
hastened to take him, but his three companions 
with much difficulty brought him to the castle, 
where he suffered amputation and recovered. 



212 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The besieged received letters this day, in- 
forming them that the army of the king which 
consisted of fifteen thousand men was divided, 
and that one half, under the command of Prince 
Maurice, was marching to raise the seige of 
Carlisle, and the other under his Majesty, was 
coming to their assistance. 

The enemy continued their fire all the night, 
and the next morning, they poured in whole vol- 
lies, from every quarter against the castle. They 
rent the air with crying, a Cromwell ! a Crom- 
well! They had received intelligence that Crom- 
well was marching in his Majesty's rear. Thus the 
hopes of each party were alternately encouraged, 
and depressed. The besiegers set fire to two 
or three houses in Northgate, and to the water- 
mill in Bondgate, together with a few other houses. 
The reason of this severity is supposed to have 
been, to compel the inhabitants to pay a contri-^ 
bution, which the enemy had laid upon the town, 
and with which they very reluctantly complied. 

On the 26th, being Whitsun-Monday, the 
great gun in the castle was removed from the 
mount before the gates, and planted on the 
platform, without the upper gates, from whence 
in was discharged against the sentry house, near 
Alderman Rusby's; the shot struck the house 
with great force, and from forty to sixty per- 
sons ran out in great consternation. They also 
planted a little drake on Swillington tower, 
which they played against the enemy's guard 
at Paradise orchard, but did little execution. 

On this day a man called V. Tubb, and a 
boy, along with many others, went out of the 
castle to cut grass for the cattle, and impru- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 213 

dently venturing too near the enemy, the boy 
was wounded by a ball, which entered side-wav 
his mouth and went through his cheek, and the 
man was taken prisoner. The enemy perceiving 
that he was an ignorant clown, gave him ale 
till he was nearly intoxicated, and then tried to 
obtain from him an account of the number of 
the garrison, the quantity of their ammunition, 
provision, &c. but he either gave an exaggerated 
account, or evaded the questions put to him, 
and as they were conveying him to their prin- 
cipal guard-house, at New-Hall, he slipt from 
them and regained the castle. 

The besieged on the 27th played their can- 
non against the enemy's trenches, near Mr. 
Rusby's, and at Mr. Oates' house in the Mar- 
ket-place. One of the enemy, whilst carelessly 
walking on Primrose Close, under Baghill, and 
smoaking his pipe, was killed by a musket shot 
from the castle. A poor lit'Je girl, who was 
feeding a cow under Swillington tower, was 
wounded by the enemy in the thigh, but reco- 
vered. 

In the night of the 27th, about twelve o'clock, 
Lieut. Wheatley arrived, who had been sent along 
"with Capt. Washington, a few days before, to 
Sandal Castle. He had brought with him forty 
or fifty horse, who in their way had met with 
two of the enemy's scouts, taken them prisoners, 
and brought them to the castle. They had also 
met with one hundred and twenty or thirty head 
of cattle, which they had driven before them, 
and if they could but succeed in getting them 
into the castle, they would be supplied with 
provisions for some time. It was no easy thing 



214 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

to effect this on account of the enemy's works 
and strong guards, with which the castle was 
now surrounded. Necessity prompted the gar- 
rison to make the attempt, whatever it might 
cost them, or whatever might be the event. 

Capt. Wbeatley had left the cattle at some 
distance, while he had pushed forward with 
all the speed of his horse to give the garrison 
information. It was agreed that the cattle 
should be brought from the Chequer Field, by 
way of Carleton, and on the public road to Bag- 
hill; and that when they came near he should 
cry out a prince! a prince! to arms! to arms. 
All was ready in the castle an hour before the 
cattle arrived. At length they arrived, and 
Capt. Wheatley came riding as fast as he could, 
crying a prince ! a prince ! to arms ! to arms. 
Some played the cannon against the enemy's 
works, and different parties sallied forth to aid 
in bringing in the cattle. Capt. Flood, Capt. 
Ogleby, and Lieut. Killingbeek, with fifty mus- 
keteers were sent to Baghill, with orders not to 
enter the enemy's works, but to remain under 
the hill-side, and keep up a constant fire upon 
them, to prevent them from sallying forth. 
Lieut. Col. Gilbreth, Lieut. Smith and Lieut. 
Warde followed them up the hill, with forty 
musketeers, to the enemy's works at Primrose 
Close, under Baghill, from whence they soon 
compelled them to retreat to their strong tren- 
ches on Baghill. Next went Capt. Smith and 
Lieut. Ogleby, with thirty musketeers, and at- 
tacked the enemy at Broad-Lane end, to pre- 
vent them from affording any assistance to those 
on duty at Baghill. Another party under the 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 215 

command of Capt. Munroe, Capt, Barthrome, 
and Sergt. Barton sallied forth from the east 
gate to the enemy's works below the church, 
and prevented them from coming from Monk- 
hill, or New-Hall. The different parties having 
reached their stations, and fully succeeded in 
checking the enemy, Capt. Joshua Walker, with 
about twenty snap-hanches*, went up the closes, 
on the south side of the low church, to Bag- 
hill, where he met the cattle. The Sandal men 
then returned, except about ten who assisted 
Capt. Walker to drive the cattle clown to the cas- 
tle. Anxious to place the cattle in safety, be- 
fore the enemy could collect in numbers suffi- 
cient to prevent it, they drove them down the 
hill with such haste, that they lost thirty or 
forty, which of course Fell into the hand of the 
enemy. They however secured the possession 
of ninety-seven, which would enable them to 
hold out the castle for some time. 

The cattle having reached the castle, the 
drums beat a retreat, and all the different par- 
ties of the garrison returned in good order, with- 
out having suffered the loss of a man killed, 
having only one wounded. 

The besieged now gave vent to their joy, 
for having obtained such essential relief, and in 
a manner so unexpected. They kindled bonfires 
on the tops of all the towers in the castle, and 
commenced a heavy fire against the enemy's 
works in all directions. 

The orders which the governor had given to 

* Snap-Hanches, the editor has been in formed, is a term 
derived from the Iri^h, and is applied, among the military, 
to persons not regularly (rained to the art of war. 



216 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

the different parties, demonstrated his prudence 
and the solidity of his judgment. Had the dif- 
ferent parties, instead of keeping the enemy in 
check, fallen upon them, it is probable they 
would have been compelled to retreat, and thus 
have failed to accomplish their design. The 
men whose zeal and courage were not always 
regulated by wisdom, expressed a strong desire 
to attack the enemy, and their commanders had 
much to do to restrain them; they however did 
obey orders, and to this circumstance they, 
most probably, owed their success. 

The besiegers the next day commenced a 
heavy fire against the castle, but did not the 
least injury to the besieged. They seemed to 
be ashamed of their conduct on the past night, 
in suffering the castle to be so easily relieved. 
They informed their govenor, Overton, that five 
hundred men had escorted the cattle. Fear, as it 
magnifies danger, often multiplies the number 
of an enemy, and justifies the inactivity, not 
to say cowardice, of those under its influence. 
The besiegers might have found a better rea- 
son for their conduct than what they assigned. 
They might with truth have said, " That being 
ignorant of the strength of the enemy, they 
judged it more proper to remain on the defen- 
sive, than to desert their lines, and expose 
themselves wholly to their fire." 

Overton, the governor, sent a drum and 
three women, who were owners of part of the 
cattle, with a letter to Governor Lowther, either 
to deliver up the cattle, or make composition 
for them in money. The governor, conceiving 
the letter to be an insult, as it was written in a 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 217 

peremptory and commanding stile, replied, If he 
could take the castle, he should have the cattle, 
otherwise he should not have the worst beast 
brought in, under forty pounds. 

In the ni«Tit the. men who came from Sandal, 
went out of the castle, with an intention to re- 
turn, but some of the garrison, who attended 
them, having their matches lighted, the enemy 
took the alarm; and, commencing a brisk fire, 
compelled them to return to the castle. The 
enemy, during the night, raised a strong baricado 
across the lane, leading to Baghill, in order to 
prevent the garrison from sallying forth in that 
direction. They also set fire to an house at 
the lower end of Northgate^ which continued 
to burn for above two days and nights. 

The following day the garrison lost one of 
their number. The governor in order to preserve 
the cattle alive, allowed four pence to each man 
who cut and brought into the castle a burden 
of grass. Some, to obtain this trifling reward, 
exposed themselves to the fire of the enemy. 
The man who was this day killed, had cut six 
burdens of grass, and brought them to the cas- 
tle. Resolved to cut one more, he was shot 
by the enemy, and afterwards run through with 
the bayonet. 

The enemy relieved their guard at New- 
Hall with three hundred men from the town; and 
there came back to the town three hundred and 
eighty men, marching in single files, through the 
Abbey Closes. During the night they erected a 
new triangular work, in the upper closes above 
Denwell, near to Swillington Tower, to check 
the garrison from sail v in g forth from that quar- 

" F f 



218 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

ter. On the following day the besieged fired 
their cannon against this work, and compelled 
the enemy to flee to their trenches. They how- 
ever returned during the night and repaired the 
damage which had been done to their work, 
and rendered it tenable for the future. A wo- 
man on this day standing in the Market-place, 
was unfortunately killed by a musket ball from 
the round tower. 

On the 31st the besieged kept a constant 
fire from the different towers of the castle 
against the enemy. They played their cannon 
against the guard-houses, which it was supposed 
did considerable execution. 

The 1st of June was a joyful day to the 
garrison. Having attended divine service, the 
governor informed them, that he had received 
letters from Sir M. Langdale, which contained 
the intelligence that he had beat in the enemy 
at Derby, and summoned them to surrender, 
and that the king and his friends were every 
where successful. The garrison considered this 
information as the prelude of their own speedy 
relief, and final triumph over their enemies. 

On the 2d Governor Lowther sent Mr. 
Massey into the town, to Governor Overton, 
to propose and agree concerning the exchange 
of prisoners, who had been taken at Hull and 
other places. Overton granted all that was de- 
manded, and sent for them with speed. During 
the time Massey continued with the governor, 
an officer came and informed him that the men 
were almost in a state of mutiny, and that it 
was with difficulty they could be induced to 
obey orders. In the night the enemy threw up 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 219 

another work in the closes below Baghill, 
against the low church, in the form of a half- 
moon. They had now formed double lines 
around the castle, and were kept on such con- 
stant duty, that a spirit of disaffection generally 
prevailed, and many deserted. 

On the 3d the governor received letters 
from Newark, which conveyed the intelligence 
of his Majesty's success at Leicester. The 
country people, on the approach of the royal 
army, had carried all their moveables into that 
city, conceiving that a vigorous resistance would 
have* been made; and that before the city could 
be taken, the army of the parliament would 
relieve it. The king no sooner appeared before 
the city, than he began to batter the walls; 
and a breach being made, he assaulted the town 
on all sides, and after a desperate attack, the 
soldiers rushed in sword in hand, and commit- 
ted great cruelties on the garrison and inhabi- 
tants. An immense booty fell into their hands, 
which they took and divided among them. The 
loss of the enemy was great, and fifteen hun- 
dred prisoners were taken. On this success, 
his Majesty wrote to the queen, that his affairs 
were never in so hopeful a posture since the re- 
bellion. The hopes of the garrison here, were 
highly raised on hearing of this splendid victory, 
and the spirit of the besiegers was proportion- 
ably depressed. 

The garrison had a few wounded this day 
by the enemy's musketry; and the enemy had 
several killed by grape shot, discharged from the 
cannon in the castle. 

The following night the besiegers began ano- 



220 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

ther work at a little distance from the former, at 
the top of Mr. Stables' orchard, in the fields 
below Baghill ; and the besieged seeing a fire on 
Sandal Castle, answered it by another from the 
round tower. From this circumstance they in- 
ferred that his Majesty's forces had obtained 
another victory. 

On the 5th, a boy, an apprentice to Mr. 
Richard Stables, went from the castle to cut 
grass for the cattle, and was unfortunately 
wounded by a shot, which went through the 
arm, and part of the shoulder. He however 
recovered without suffering amputation. The 
enemy had five ensigns killed and several privates. 

The besiegers received a reinforcement of 
horse on the 6th, from Doncaster; and several 
troops were drawn up about the town. The 
garrison discovered four of the enemy in the mill 
under the castle, who were stealing the iron from 
about the works; and a few running to the mill, 
three of the men fled, but one was taken pri- 
soner. He informed the garrison that a body 
of the king's troops were pushing forward to 
their relief, and had already reached Tux ford; — 
that in consequence, the troops of the parlia- 
ment were retreating, and would probably as- 
semble in this neighbourhood, where a general 
engagement was expected. This intelligence was 
confirmed by the arrival of about four hundred 
horse on the 8th, who in consequence of the 
approach of the king's forces had judged it ad- 
visable to withdraw from their quarters at Tick- 
hill, Rossington, and other places beyond Don- 
caster. Some troops of these horse were sta- 
tioned at Cridling-Stubbs and Knottingley, and 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 221 

a part went over Methley Bridge, towards 
Leeds. 

On the 9th the besieged heard distinctly the 
firing of cannon, which they supposed to be 
near Sheffield, and of course concluded their 
friends were drawing near. What encouraged 
the garrison and confirmed them in this opinion, 
was, that in the night they beheld a fire on the 
top of Sandal Castle, the usual sign of good 
news. The besieged had one man slightly 
wounded, and by their fire from the castle killed 
several of the enemy. 

The besiegers kept a strong guard of horse 
at New-Hall; which they relieved in the evening. 
At the same time came two horsemen at full 
speed into the town. They brought letters to 
Governor Overton; and a drum reported at the 
lower Barbican wall, that the troops of the king 
had taken Derby. 

The enemy, on the 10th, began another 
work in a close near Baghill, called Moody's 
Close, designed to check the garrison, and pre- 
vent any relief being afforded. They began also 
another nearer Swillington Tower, but the fire 
of the besieged compelled them to desist, and to 
flee to their other works. They al.-o received 
a reinforcement of eight troops of horse from 
Doncaster. These drew up in a body at Carle- 
ton, and one troop marched to South Harclwick ; 
another came from Darrington, and marched 
into the town; a third came from Ferrybridge, 
and marched into the park. 

On the 11th, the forenoon was spent without 
much firing on either side. About two o'clock, 
the governor ordered all the men in the castle 



222 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

to arms, which they readily obeyed. A heavy 
shower of rain compelled them to seek shelter 
for some time. After having received their orders, 
they sallied forth in different directions. Capt. 
Munroe led out the first company consisting of 
Lieut. Moore, Sergt. Barton, and thirty muske- 
teers. These went down to the church, but find- 
ing no men in it, they passed through it to Mr. 
Kellam's House, where a party of the enemy was 
stationed. Here Captain Munroe remained to 
prevent the enemy from sallying forth from their 
lower works ; but at his approach they fled. 

Capt. Smith, Capt. Flood, Ensigns Killingbeck 
and Otway, with eighty musketeers, followed 
Capt. Munroe through the church, to the lowest 
work the enemy had erected, at the top of Mr. 
Stables' orchard. Capt. Smith led his company 
first to the work, and then passed along the 
hedge, where he took his station to prevent the 
enemy coming from their upper works to the 
assistance of those in the lower. Though exposed 
to a brisk fire from the enemy, he continued his 
post with great bravery. During this time Capt. 
Flood and his company approached, and attack- 
ed the work, which they found very strong, and 
exceeding difficult to enter. There was but one 
place of entrance, and that so low and narrow as 
to admit only one man at a time. They however 
began a heavy fire against the work, and shot in 
at the port-holes. Those within returned the 
fire, and bravely defended the work, till Capt. 
Flood having forced the entrance, some escaped 
over the wall, and the remainder were taken pri- 
soners, consisting of one captain, one sergeant, 
one corporal, and eight men, who were severely 
wounded. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 22S 

Col. Gilbreth, Lieut. Wheatley, and Lieut. 
Ward, with forty volunteers and soldiers, with 
clubs and muskets, formed a corps de reserve, 
and were stationed in the orchard, near the work, 
in case the enemy should sally to the assistance 
of their comrades. 

Lieut. Willowby, Lieut. Middleton, and Sergt. 
Parker, with forty musketeers, took post at the 
houses on the north-side of the church, near the 
Star Inn, and prevented the enemy from coming 
from the Grange-Laith and their adjoining works. 

Lieutenant Monkes, with Sergt. Barton, and 
twenty musketeers, were sent towards Monkhill, 
to prevent the enemy from sallying forth from 
thence. Here a warm contest ensued; each party 
endeavouring to gain possession of a wall and a 
hedge, but the party from the "garrison ultimately 
prevailed. Lieut. Monkes ordered bis men to 
attack in files, which having fired fell back, and 
another came up and fired, after the manner of 
street firing, which led the enemy to believe that 
their number was much greater than it actually 
was. The besiegers at last retreated to their 
works on Monkhill, and left Lieut. Monkes and 
his party in possession of the pass. 

Capt. Joshua Walker with about twenty snap- 
hanches and firelocks, sallied with the first party 
into the church, where, according '.o their orders, 
they were to remain for the space of twenty- four 
hours. They took with them sufficient provi- 
sions, match, powder and. ammunition. They 
entered the steeple, and kept up a fire against 
the enemy on every opportunity. After Capt. 
Flood had taken the work, a party of the enemy 
came down to re-occupy it. The party within 



224 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

the steeple fired upon them and killed twelve 
men, among whom were three officers, and 
wounded several others. 

The musketeers, snap-lianclies, and volunteers 
which remained in the castle, were commanded 
to the top of the towers and battlements, to 
watch the motions of the enemy., to annoy them 
in every direction, and to cover the different 
parties, who had sallied forth, by a steady and 
constant fire. 

The besiegers lost from this sally forty killed, 
eleven taken prisoners, and a considerable num- 
ber wounded ; the besieged had only two men 
wounded, one of whom afterwards died, and the 
other recovered. The besieged brought into the 
castle a quantity of muskets, pikes, powder, match 
and ammunition, which they found in their works. 

The siege of Fontefract Castle had now been 
carried on for several months, and there did not 
appear any prospect of its being taken by storm, 
or surrendered by capitulation. The parliament 
was dissatisfied with the commanding officer, and 
the manner in which the siege had been hitherto 
conducted. An order came to Lord Fairfax, 
to remove Sands, and to appoint General 
Foyntz, to the command. 

On the 12th Lord Fairfax, and General 
Poyntz, came from York, attended with a guard 
of four troops of horse, but they returned again 
in the evening. They came to take an account 
of the number of the effective men, and to 
view the works of the besiegers. On this day, 
they lost several men by the discharge of grape 
shot from the castle. The besieged kept posses- 
sion of the low church, and regularly relieved 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 225 

their guard there, consisting of a captain and 
twenty or thirty men. Capt. Ward was slightly 
wounded in the arm. 

On the 13th, Gen. Poyntz came post from 
York again, and took upon him the command. 
The besieged, in order to relieve their guards 
at the church without danger, began a trench 
from the east gate, and continued it down to 
the churchyard. They also made blinds of boughs 
and sods, from the church to Mr. Kellam's, un- 
der the cover of which they cut grass for their 
cattle, and brought in not less than one hun- 
dred burdens on this day. The guard in the 
church steeple kept up a constant fire against 
the enemy's works, and effectually prevented any 
attack on their own men. 

The next day the besiegers relieved their 
guard at New-Hall, with three hundred and 
twenty men from the town; and on the return 
of the other, three men were killed in the closes 
below the Headlands, by a shot of a cannon 
from Treasurer's Tower. They also played their 
cannon into the town, and shot through the 
houses near Alderman Wilkinson's, where many 
of the enemy were assembled. A woman, who 
was carrying a stand of ale from Monkhill to 
the Grange guard, was killed, together with 
three or four men by the musketry of the guard 
from the church steeple. Capt. Hemsworth, 
with twenty-six men, was sent to relieve the 
guard in the church. 

On the 15th a troop of horse passing along 
Bondgate, the besieged played their cannon full 
upon them from King's Tower, killed three men 
and their horses, and wounded, many others, 

G g * 



226 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The enemy this day sent several waggons loaded 
with the sick and wounded towards Ferrybridge. 
Capt. Cartwright, with twenty-six men, relieved 
the guard in the church this evening, aud du- 
ring the night the enemy formed a trench on 
the south side Mr. Kellam's, to prevent the be- 
sieged from cutting grass for their cattle. 

The besieged had, on the morning of the 
16th. a boy and a man shot, as they were get- 
ting apples in an orchard adjoining the castle. 
The boy had been shot through the cheek about 
a week before, but was now nearly well. He 
foolishly called to the enemy from the tree, and 
dared them to shoot at him. One of them fired, 
and the same ball went through the body of 
the boy, and entered the thigh of the man. 
The boy soon died, but the man afterwards 
recovered. 

On the 14th was fought the decisive battle 
of Naseby, in which the royal army was com- 
pletely routed, near one thousand being left 
dead on the field, and five thousand taken pri- 
soners; all the king's train of artillery, bag and 
baggage, fell into the hands of the enemy. 
On the 16th the news of this important victory 
was conveyed to General Poyntz, who imparted 
it to all the men under his command. In conse- 
quence of this information they fired whole vol-, 
lies against the castle, and rent the air with 
shouts of triumph and exultation. 

Gen. Poyntz sent an officer, with a drum, 
conveying a letter to Governor Lowther, to in- 
form him of this event, and to summon him to 
surrender the castle, while there was hope of 
mercy; as considerable reinforcements were coming 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 227 

to his assistance, and he must at last be compel- 
led to surrender. The governor no sooner read 
the letter than he answered verbally, " That 
he neither feared the forces that might come 
against him, nor valued the mercy which was 
now offered," and instantly ordered the officer 
to be gone, and impart this information to his 
general. 

The governor appears to have wholly dis- 
credited the information, as he had received let- 
ters from Col. Washington, dated June 14th, 
from Newark, conveying the intelligence that 
his Majesty was at that period at Melton- 
Mowbray, and intended marching north, and 
in the space of ten days, if all succeeded, would 
relieve the castle of Pontefract. On this ground 
the garrison concluded that the enemy had recei- 
ved false intelligence, or invented the whole in 
order to intimidate the governor, and induce him 
to capitulate. 

The besiegers received in the afternoon a 
considerable body of forces, which were quartered 
in, and around, the town. They continued a 
brisk fire against the castle, which the besieged 
as briskly returned. They fired grape shot 
against the enemy's works at Baghill, but what 
execution was done was not known. The be- 
sieged sent Capt. Smith, with twenty musketeers, 
to relieve their guard in the church. 

On the 17th the besiegers began to enlarge 
the work, east of I3aghill, in the closes south of 
the church, where they lost so many men, 
in the last sally made by the garrison. The 
guard of the besieged, in the church, discovered 
their intention, and by a regular fire of mus- 



22S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

ketry from the steeple, compelled them to de- 
sist, and retreat into their trenches. 

The garrison continued to disbelieve the in- 
formation respecting the defeat of the king. 
They received letters, which supported their 
hopes, and fully convinced them, that there was 
no truth in it. It is happy for man, that in 
some circumstances, at least, he has the power 
to believe what he pleases; and can indulge hopes, 
which, though without foundation, afford Rim 
some present gratification. The besieged felt the 
influence of this power, at this period; and 
hallooing and shouting in the castle, as if they 
had received some good news, the enemy run 
lo arms in all quarters, and thus afforded the 
besieged an opportunity of powering in a heavy 
fire among them, which did considerable exe- 
cution. 

On the 18th the besieged received two let- 
ters from Newark, dated the 15th, wherein it 
was stated that the king, at the head of his 
army, was at Melton-Mowbray, as before men- 
tioned; that he intended to be at Newark on 
the Tuesday, and to march forward to the relief 
of Pontefract. They also brought information 
that great dissention prevailed in the House of 
Commons, and in the city of London, which, 
it was conceived, would tend to the advantage 
of the royal cause. Whether the letter contained 
this false intelligence, or the whole was an ar- 
tifice of the governor, to keep up the spirit 
of the garrison, is impossible to decide. As the 
battle of Naseby was fought on the 14th, it is 
scarcely possible, that those in the confidence of 
his Majesty should be suffered to remain so long; 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 229 

in ignorance; unless it be supposed that the 
fatal overthrow had so deranged his Majesty's 
affairs, as to cut off all communication. 

Gen. Poyntz, Overton, the governor of Pon- 
tefract, and other general officers, met at Don- 
caster, and held a council of war, to order and 
arrange the plan of their future operations. 
The besiegers remained in their works, and the 
besieged sent Capt. Kitchin, with twenty mus- 
keteers, to relieve the guard in the church. 

On the 19*h Gen. Poyntz and Overton, 
the governor of Pontefract, returned from Don- 
caster. Thev drew up their men in the Market- 
place. On seeing which the besieged played 
their cannon full among them, but what execu- 
tion it did was not known. Through the whole 
of the (lay, the besiegers appeared to be uncom- 
monly busy, and to be preparing for some eiir 
terpiize of importance. At the relieving of the 
guard in the church, four or five of the enemy 
were killed, and many wounded, which they 
conveyed into Mr. Kellam's house. The go-* 
vernor sent Capt. Washington, and Lieut. 
Empson out of the castle, to Newark, most 
probably to obtain correct information, as well 
as to learn whether any thing could be done 
for the relief of the castle. 

Gen. Poyntz called a council of war, on 
the 20th, in the town. In the afternoon there 
arrived several loaded waggons at the New-Hall, 
in one of which was a cannon. There came also 
a party of infantry, which marched in single files 
through the park into the town. The garrison, 
on descrying the waggons which came on the 
lane above St. Thomas' Hill, played their 



230 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

cannon among them, but did not perceive any 
damage done. 

The besieged received on this day an account 
of the battle of Naseby; but the account, like 
a modern Gazette of a defeat, was palpably 
incorrect, and favourable circumstances were add- 
ed, so as to render it rather a victory than a 
defeat. It was stated that the king had been 
defeated, and lost his cannon and baggage; but 
that on the day following, Gens. Goring and 
Jarrett, had come up with Fairfax and Crom- 
well, and after a furious and bloody contest, 
they had put them to flight, recovered the can- 
non and ammunition, and had pursued them 
nearly to Northampton, and to conclude all, 
that Cromwell was slain. 

On the following day a poor man, whose 
house had been burnt down at Monkhill, and 
who had fled to the castle for refuge, was shot 
whilst cutting grass near Monkhill, and instantly 
expired. The body was fetched into the castle, 
and there interred in the evening. 

The enemy this day began to form a plat- 
form at Monkhill, for the cannon which had 
been brought two days before. The garrison 
played at them from the King's Tower, but their 
efforts were not successful. The enemy were 
protected by the works they had already raised, 
and they wrought with such diligence, that be- 
fore night they had completed the platform. 
Governor Overton himself superintended the 
work; and on the following night they brought 
up the cannon from New-Hall, and planted it 
against the church. 

The garrison sent Lieut. Willowby, with 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 231 

twenty musketeers to relieve the guard at the 
church; and a deserter came into the castle 
bringing his firelock and his sword. He in- 
formed the besieged, that it was reported that 
the troops of the parliament, though successful 
against his Majesty, had since been routed. 

On the 2 c 2d, as soon as the day dawned, 
the enemy made a strong attack upon the guard 
in the low church, which they entered with an 
hundred men. Another party went into the 
trenches of the besieged, and up the High- 
street towards the castle. The guard within 
the church defended themselves with the greatest 
bravery, and compelled those who had entered 
to retreat. Those in the steeple, by ringing 
the bell, gave the alarm to the garrison ; and 
a continued fire being kept up from the steeple, 
and from the east tower of the castle, rendered 
the attempt of those who had entered the 
trenches useless ; on which they retreated to their 
works, carrying the killed and the wounded 
with them. 

This attempt to obtain possession of the 
church, and to expel the guard which the be- 
sieged had for some time kept there, indicated 
the wish of Gen. Poyntz to preserve, if pos- 
sible, that fine Gothic structure from injury. 
The failure of this attempt, and the destructive 
fire of the guard, rendered it necessary to dis- 
lodge them by the battery of the steeple. 

After some time, the cannon planted at Monk- 
hill, carrying a ball of eighteen pound weight, 
began to play against the lanthern of the steeple. 
In about an hour and a half, they played thir- 
teen times, but did not make any impression. 



232 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The besieged, to preserve the church, and pro- 
tect their guard there, played their cannon from 
King's Tower against the enemy's works at 
Monkhill, and at the fifth discharge dismounted 
the cannon of the enemy. During the remain- 
der of the day, the enemy were employed in 
remounting their cannon, and throwing up 
works for its security. 

In the afternoon they relieved all their guards, 
and brought down four hundred men from the 
town to New-Hall, and as many returned. The 
besiegers in the evening conversed freely with 
some of the besieged, and informed them of 
Cromwell's success, and the almost final destruc- 
tion of the forces belonging to his Majesty. 
The besieged, happy in their incredulity, con- 
sidered this information as designed to induce 
them to surrender, and they still hoped that 
they should soon be relieved. 

On the 23d the besiegers, as early as two 
o'clock in the morning, began to play their 
cannon against the church. With some little 
intermission, they continued their fire against 
the lanthern of the steeple till near six o'clock, 
when a breach was made, and a part of it fell 
down. They then directed their shot to the 
steeple below the bells, for some time, but as 
no impression appeared to be made, they dis- 
continued their fire till the afternoon. 

The garrison had one man shot in the arm 
whilst he lay asleep in the lower Barbican. 
They watched the motion of the enemy, but 
owing to the works they had raised at Monk- 
hill, they were not able to make any diversion, 
nor could again dismount their cannon. The 



HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. 233 

enemy recommenced their fire against the church, 
and in the course of the afternoon, poured in- 
to the steeple and body of this structure, fovty 
eighteen pound balls. 

The steeple was so much injured that the 
besieged considered it no longer tenable. They 
however sent Lieut. Moor, with twenty mus- 
keteers, to relieve their guard; but he was 
ordered to occupy the houses round the church, 
and only to place two or three men within 
it. The besieged concluded that the enemy 
would make an attempt in the night to obtain 
possession of it, and either to take or drive in 
the guard to the castle. They had loaded their 
cannon with grape shot, and as they expected, 
enemy about one - o'clock, made an attack 
upon the church. The party of the besieged 
stationed in the houses began to fire briskly 
upon them; and those in the castle discharging 
the cannon, compelled them to retreat to their 
works. 

On the following day both parties rested on 
their arms, and few shot were fired till towards 
evening, when the different guards were relieved. 
Lieut. Ojway was sent down to the church 
with two tiles of musketeers, to relieve those 
who had been stationed there, and in the ad- 
joining houses. It was expected that the enemy 
would make another attack in the night, and as 
the governor was convinced they would carry 
their point, he ordered Lieut. Otway, with his 
racketeers, to return to the castle at the beat- 
ing of the tattoo. The enemy, as was expected, 
about one o'clock entered the church, and the 
lower pait of the town; and as they found 
none to resist them, remained in possession. 

h h * 



234 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The garrison did not permit them to enjoy 
much rest; but by a steady and constant fire 
of musketry greatly annoyed them. They also 
played their cannon from King's Tower against 
the steeple, and fired five shot from the garden 
into the body of the church ; so that the enemy 
never appeared in the steeple. They were em- 
ployed in digging up the dead, and making a 
work within the church for their own defence and 
security. From this circumstance it appears that 
the body of the church was much injured, and 
the interior wholly destroyed. 

The besieged experience a severe loss this 
morning, in the death of Sir Jarvis Cutler, 
Knight. He was seized with a fever, and being 
destitute of good advice and necessary support, 
it carried him off. The enemy would not per- 
mit any fresh provisions to be obtained for him 
in the town. They only once indulged his 
lady with permission to visit him, and convey 
to him one chicken and one joint of meat. 
When dead, they would not permit him to be 
buried in the church, or suffer him to be con- 
veyed to his own home to be interred among 
his ancestors. 

On the 26th they prepared to inter the 
body of Sir Jarvis in the chapel within the 
castle. The body was first put into a coffin of 
wood, and the whole covered with lead, that 
his friends, after the siege might take him 
up and convey him to the family vault. The 
resident chaplain in the castle preached his fu- 
neral sermon, and the garrison honoured his 
interment by firing three vollies. The enemy 
would not permit Lady Cutler to depart after 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 235 

the funeral, but obliged her to remain in the 
castle; and though often solicited to permit her to 
return to her house and children, they refused. 

The besieged began now to suffer severely. 
They could not obtain relief from any quarter. 
They were wholly destitute of fresh provisions. 
This produced its natural effect : the men were 
discouraged, and desertion became frequent. In 
the night of the 26th a person of the name of 
Medcalf, who had waited on one Alexander Med- 
calf, who vvas confined by the gout, deserted to 
the enemy, and took with him whatsoever he 
could convey. He informed Gen. Poyntz that 
the surgeon who w T ent to the castle to dress the 
wounds of the prisoners, and the drum who car- 
ried their provisions, communicated intelligence 
to the garrison, and supplied them with tobacco 
and other articles; in consequence of which in- 
formation they were taken up and imprisoned. 

The 27th was observed as a day of thanks- 
giving by the besiegers, for their late success and 
victory over the king. They had two discourses 
delivered suitable to the occasion ; and afterwards 
fired whole vollies from all their works around 
the castle. They twice played their cannon; 
and the first ball went through the drawbridge 
and the lower castle gate; the second fe]\ short 
of the bridge, but shivered to pieces a large 
beam of timber against which it struck. The 
besieged had two men wounded in the Barbican, 
from the enemy's works on Baghill; and the 
besiegers had one man killed from the round 
tower, while standing at the back of Mr. Rusby's 
house. 

Lord Fairfax, after the battle of Naseby 3 



236 HISTORY OF PONTEFHACT. 

marched to relieve Taunton, which had been 
long besieged by General Goring, and was re- 
duced to the last extremity. The Scotch troops 
advanced to Newark, and began the siege of 
the town and castle there. The besieged re- 
ceived, on the 28th, the news that their friends 
at Newark had made a successful sally, killed 
five hundred of the enemy, taken their cannon, 
and completely dispersed their forces. This 
news afforded them some consolation amidst the 
disasters which had attended the royal cause. 

On til is day the governor, Overton, sent a 
drum to the castle, to inform Lady Cutler that 
she might depart, if she pleased, to her own 
home. Anxious to revisit her mourning family, 
and administer comfort to her children, she im- 
mediately availed herself of the opportunity. 
On her arrival at the first guard of the enemy, 
she was however seized, together with her maid, 
chaplain, and a tenant who had come to meet her, 
who were all stripped in order to discover any let- 
ters which might be concealed about them. Though 
no letters were found, yet they detained the lady 
and her maid till next day at noon without any 
provisions, the governor having countermanded 
the order for her departure. They then sent 
her back to the Barbican gates, but Governor 
Lowther considered it as improper again to admit 
her, as the enemy had given her leave to depart. 
In consequence of this determination the lady, 
her maid, and her chaplain, "remained without 
shelter in the street till ten o'clock at night, 
when they were permitted to go into the town, 
where they "remained till next day, and then de- 
parted. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 237 

What could be the reason of the severity 
exercised towards Lady Cutler, is impossible to 
devise. It was surely unbecoming the character 
of the governor, as a gentleman and a soldier, to 
insult a lady on account of the part her departed 
husband had taken? To order her to be strip- 
ped in the presence of the guard, and to detain 
her without supplying the demands of nature, 
discovers a total disregard to propriety, and a 
cruelty bordering on barbarism. 

On the 30th the enemy had a general ren- 
dezvous of all their horse in this part, on Bro- 
therton marsh, which amounted to one thousand, 
After they had been drawn up there, they de- 
parted in companies to different villages. A 
company remained at Ferrybridge, another was 
stationed at Knottingley, and a body of about 
four hundred came up to Pontefract, facing the 
castle, and then wheeling off into the closes to- 
wards Darrington, beyond Baghiil, there turned 
their horses out to grass. The enemy relieved 
their guard at New-Hall with at least six hun- 
dred men, and different bodies of infantry were 
in motion in all directions. This led the go- 
vernor to conclude that they now seriously in- 
tended to assault the castle; and in consequence 
he gave orders that the guard should be doubled, 
and the strictest watch kept. 

The night passed in tranquillity; and the 
enemy seemed so far from intending to storm 
the castle, that they were employed in making 
barricadoes to restrain the besieged, and to prevent 
them making any more destructive sallies. The 
garrison poured a heavy fire against the enemy's 
works in all directions, which they as visourouslv 



23 S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

returned. On both sides, during the day, some 
were killed and many wounded. 

On the 1st of July, towards evening, the 
besieged beheld the enemy carrying fagots and 
scaling ladders down to the church, which again 
raised their suspicion of an intended assault. 
The guards were again doubled, and about 
twelve o'clock most of the troops in the garrison 
were under arms, to be ready to receive the 
enemy should they make the attack. It did not 
however appear that they had formed any such 
design, as during the night they remained within 
their works. 

The number of the besiegers, and the strength 
of their different works, rendered any sally of 
the garrison more dangerous to themselves than 
the enemy; and from this period the besieged 
made no sallies against the enemy's works. 
On the other hand Gen. Poyntz did not wish to 
expose his men, and sacrifice the lives of num- 
bers by an assault; as he was fully convinced, that 
in a few weeks the garrison would be forced to 
capitulate. Thus each party rather watched the 
other than carried on any vigorous enterprises. 

On the 3d and 4th, at different times, a 
brisk fire of musketry was maintained on both 
sides; the enemy had several men shot in their 
works around the church, and the besieged in 
like manner sustained some loss. Towards even- 
ing on the latter day the enemy's horse, which 
had been drawn up in the West Field most 
part of the day, began to depart to their quar- 
ters. A considerable body however remained 
there all night, and kept up very large fires. 

No occurrence deserving notice took place 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 239 

till the Sth, when Gen. Poyntz went down to 
the Barbican gate and asked to speak with the 
governor. The governor's son, who happened 
to be present, informed him " that his fatlier 
was not there, or he would not have refused to 
see him." Gen. Poyntz then demanded the sur- 
render of the castle, and promised " that if they 
complied within three days, they would obtain 
the most honourable terms; but if they de- 
layed eleven or fourteen days, they might ex- 
pect nothing but to walk with a white rod 
in their hands, as soldiers did in the low coun- 
tries when they marched away on compositions. " 
Capt. Lowther then answered him, " that the 
castle was kept for the king, and that if they 
stayed fourteen days, and fourteen days after 
that, there were as many gentlemen in the 
castle as would make many a bloody head be- 
fore they parted with it." The general then 
be^an to use harsh language, and told him the 
soldiers behaved in the most rude and unbe- 
coming manner, and applied to him the most 
reproachful terms. Capt, Lovvther replied " that 
neither he nor his father could govern the 
tongues of the soldiers, but they would speak 
what they pleased." On this the general departed. 
On the 9th the enemy began a fence from 
their works opposite Swillington Tower, along 
the hedge 10 Denweil Lane; and from this fence 
they greatly annoyed those who came from the 
castle to cut grass. The besieged sent out some 
men to Sandall, and some to Newark, to bring 
them intelligence or to join the king's troops, 
which it was supposed were now coming to 
their relief. 



240 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

On the 10th the besieged received an account 
of the engagement between Sir Tho. Fairfax 
and Gen, Goring; when it was said that Goring 
routed Sir Thomas, and that Taunton was taken. 
A drum came from Newark to know whether the 
castle was surrendered or not, as the enemy had 
spread such a report. The drum was detained 
in the town, and kept a prisoner in the house 
of a Mrs. Washington, whose husband was in the 
castle. He communicated to her the message 
he brought, and sent her down to spf ilk with 
her husband, and desired her to tell them to 
be of good cheer, as forces were coming to 
their relief. .Accordingly Mrs. Washington got 
a drum to go with her to the Barbican sally- 
port, where she told her husband the news; and 
while the drum was engaged in conversation 
with another, she, pretending to shake hands 
with an old acquaintance, contrived to deliver 
to him two letters. These letters named the 
day and hour when Sir Marmaduke Langdale 
intended to come to their" relief, and confirmed 
the account of Goring's victory over Sir Tho. 
Fairfax. 

Thus were the garrison vainly encouraged 
while their privations and wants were every day 
accumulating. They did not cease however to 
employ all the means in their power to annoy 
the enemy; nor did their fortitude or courage 
in. the least abate. The}^ maintained their loyalty 
unsullied by the imputation of cowardice, weak- 
ness or treachery. 

On the 13 th letters were received from 
Sandall Castle, in which the same accounts were 
given as in those which have already been no- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 241 

ticed, that Langrlale was approaching. The 
enemy on this day raised some fortifications near 
Ferrybridge, on Brotherton marsh, and some 
cannon were conveyed there to secure that pass; 
which circumstance led the besieged to hope 
the information which they had received was 
correct. 

From some cause the enemy had an alarm 
in the night, and both horse and foot remained 
under arms till morning. About four o'clock 
they were seen in the West Field, drawn up 
as if expecting an attack. As it was nearly in 
this direction that Sir Marmaduke Langdale 
came before to relieve the castle, it was now 
hoped he was again approaching. 

At this period an infectious and destructive 
malady prevailed in the town, which was called 
the plague. It is not improbable, that the 
crowded state of population within the town, 
the putrescence of animal bodies, and other 
circumstances might generate malignant com- 
plaints, whose ravages would be nearly equal 
to that of the plague, and which would be so 
denominated. Thus is the scourge of war usually 
followed by pestilence. 

In consequence of this Gen. Poyntz withdrew 
most of his troops from the town, and formed 
an encampment in the West Field, where the 
general himself now always slept. The enemy 
still kept under arms, and it was reported to 
the garrison that the Skipton horse had pushed 
through Wakefield and by Sandall, in order to 
join Sir M. Langdale, and that this had given 
the alarm to the enemy. 

Ou the 15th similar rumours of relief 
i i * 



242 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

reached the castle; and various contradictory re- 
ports were spread about. Some of the garrison 
ventured into the orchards, and obtained a con- 
siderable supply of apples. In these attempts 
they exposed themselves to the enemy's fire, 
aud two were killed this morning, and others 
wounded. 

In the afternoon the enemy sent a drum, 
with a note in his hand, which he read to the 
soldiers as he passed along to the gate, informing 
them, that both Gens. Goring jjand Langdale 
were routed, and that Cromwell, Fairfax, and 
Rossi ter were coming to their assistance. This 
note he afterwards delivered to those in the cas- 
tle. The last hope of the garrison was now 
destroyed; and they found themselves surrounded 
by enemies whom it was impossible to van- 
quish, nor had the king one army left which 
he could send to their relief. 

Geo. Poyntz, soon after this information had 
been communicated, and while the impression it 
had made still remained * sent in a trumpeter 
with a letter from himself and the committee at 
York. In this letter, the governor was again 
summoned to surrender the castle, while he might 
obtain honourable terms, which was to this effect, 
" that whereas they had heretofore sent to sum- 
mons the castle which was still rejected, but now 
taking into consideration the great care and love 
to so many gentlemen soldiers in the castle, and 
the misery they lived in, the effusion of so much 
innocent blood which was likely to be made, 
and many a sackless man in it, they thought 
once more to summons them, and give them to 
understand., that if they pleased to come to a 



HISTORY OF PONTJEFRACT. 243 

treaty about surrendering the same, they would 
treat with them upon honourable terms, with 
conditions fitting for such a garrison, and would 
give hostages for the same." To this, the gover- 
nor replied, " that it was a matter of too 
great consequence to treat or give answer at 
first, but he would confer with the knights and 
gentlemen of the castle, and return an answer 
as speedily as possible." Whereupon the trum- 
peter was dismissed. 

On the next morning, both parties kept up 
a strict watch, and several were killed with the 
fire of musketry. The governor of the castle, 
considering the impossibility of maintaining much 
longer the fortress, gave permission to some of 
the leading gentlemen and officers to meet some 
of the enemy, for the purpose of ascertaining the 
conditions, on which they expected the castle to 
be surrendered. On this business were employ- 
ed, Sir Rich. Mutton, Sir Thomas Bland, Major 
Copley, and Mr. Tindall. They met in the 
Half-penny House, which had been burnt, being 
too hot to remain without some shelter. They 
continued to converse freely together for the space 
of two hours; and the officers of the enemy 
treated them liberally with sack and ale, which 
were brought down from the town. 

During the time that these gentlemen re- 
mained together, the governor sent for all the 
captains, and gentlemen volunteers into the hall 
of the castle, to consult what measures ought to be 
adopted; whether they ought to hold out to the 
last extremity, or to surrender on equitable and 
honourable terms. As it was deemed impossible 
to hold out Iong A they agreed that the follow- 



244 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

ing persons should be chosen for treating with 
the enemy, Sir Rich. Hutton, Sir John Ramsden, 
and Sir George Wentworth for the gentry. — Mr. 
Hirst and Mr. Key for the clergy — Mr. Hodgson 
and Mr. Hearbread for the volunteers and reform 
madoes, — and Mr. Austwick and Mr. Lunn for 
the townsmen — and Lieut, Col. Wheatley, Capt. 
Hemsworth and Capt. Munroe for the soldiers. 

During this period, there was a general in-r 
tercourse between the besiegers and the besieged. 
All firing ceased, and men and women from the 
town came to converse with those in the castle. 
The soldiers on both sides formed into friendly 
parties, and agreed to go and rob several or^ 
chards together. 

The next morning Governor Lowther sent 
a drum with a letter to Gen. Poyntz, inforn> 
ing him that they were ready to treat as soon 
as the place and the time should be appointed. 
Gen. Poyntz had gone to York, and Overton, 
the governor of the town, took no notice of this, 
till about four o'clock in the afternoon, when he 
sent a drum with a note, " that they should take 
time to treat, and not be so hasty as they were." 
This was an insult, which betrayed the pusillani^- 
mity of him who gave it, and was justly and pro- 
perly resented by Governor Lowther. 

Overton had been induced to make this weak, 
imprudent and unmanly reply, in consequence 
of the information which a captain from the 
castle had conveyed, that the garrison had not 
provisions for more than five days. It was like- 
wise reported among the soldiers, that the ene- 
my intended to starve out the garrison, to strip 
them as they came out, and to seize whatever, 
the castle contained as lawful pillage. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 245 

At this critical juncture, Governor Low t her 
made use, most probably, of an artifice to revive 
the hope of relief, to inspire fortitude, and en- 
courage the soldiers to make a brave resistance. 
He produced a letter from Newark, informing 
him that Sir M. Langdale on the 1 2th, had 
with all his own forces, and four thousand Irish 
set off to raise the siege of Pontefract Castle, 
and that Mr. Jarvis Neville had been also sent 
to hasten his march. 

This information produced the effect intend- 
ed , and though they were now suffering all the 
miseries with which a protracted siege is gene- 
rally attended, their spirit was unbroken, and their 
resolution and courage unabated. An account 
being taken of all the provisions in the castle, 

it was found that they could hold out for * 

days, the gentlemen and soldiers being allowed 
the same portion; and they all cheerfully agreed 
to suffer any privations rather than to submit 
to disgraceful terms. 

The governor, being confined to his room de- 
sired Sir Richard Hutton, and Sir G. Went- 
worth, to assemble the garrison, and impart to 
them an account of Overton's letter, the quan- 
tity of provisions, &c. and they replied, that 
they were willing to endure any hardships, and 
even to sacrifice their lives rather than basely 
and dishonourably surrender, — and that if relief 
did not arrive according to their expectations, 
they would consume all the goods in the cas- 

* In the MS. the number of clays is obliterated, and 

it is impossible accurately to supply it. It could not be 

many, as at the time of their surrender, the whole was 

nearly spent. 



246 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

tie, set the castle itself on fire, and either cut 
their way sword in hand through the ranks of 
the enemy, or nobly fall attempting it. After 
having come to this resolution, they threw up 
their hats and gave three huzzas in confirmation 
of it. 

After these transactions the governor ordered 
two -flags .of defiance to be displayed * y one from 
the King's Tower, and the other from the round 
tower, and this was left standing. Quickly 
after command was given to assail the enemy 
in every quarter with the musketry and cannon; 
and a steady and destructive fire was for some 
time maintained. 

Towards evening a drum was sent wi^h pro- 
visions for the prisoners, but the besieged re- 
fused to admit him. On this Overton sent 
another drum with a letter, desiring that the 
provisions might be sent to the prisoners, and 
also excusing his former note, and declaring 
that they were ready to treat as soon as Gen. 
Poyntz returned. 

The next day Gen. Poyntz returned, and 
immediately sent a trumpeter with a letter to 
the governor, to inform him at what time and 
place the persons appointed to treat, concerning 
the surrender of the castle, should meet. The 
place agreed on was a close under Baghill, a 
little above Broad Lane end, where a tent was 
pitched for the accommodation of the persons 
appointed to bring the treaty to a final conclu- 
sion. 

The committee for the garrison were the gen- 
tlemen before noticed, Sir R.Hutton, Sir J. Rams- 
den, Sir G. Wentvvorth, the Rev. Mr. Hirst, and 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 247 

Mr. Key, with Lieut. Col. Gilbreth. Those ap- 
pointed on the part of the enemy, were Mr. L. 
Was tell, a lawyer, Col. Bright, Lieut. Col. Fair- 
fax, and Lieut. Col. Copley. About four o'clock 
Gen. Poyntz, Col. Overton, and nine officers came 
to the Barbican gate, and the committee from 
the castle went down, and marched with them 
to the tent. They continued in close debate 
till nine o'clock, but did not come to any 
agreement. At length the committee for the 
besieged rose and departed, declaring that they 
were determined to fight it out, as they did 
not value their lives so much as their honour; 
and could not submit to the terms offered 
without sacrificing it for ever. The deputies of 
the enemy followed them to the castle, and 
desired that they would meet again the next 
day, when it was hoped an adjustment might 
be made. 

Accordingly the next day, 20th of July, each 
party met, and abating in their demands, a 
treaty was made and signed for the surrender 
of the castle, upon honourable terms. The siege 
had lasted five months, from the time it was 
relieved, and the enemy could not have lost 
fewer in killed and wounded, before this fortress, 
than a thousand men. The garrison had dis- 
played a courage, which did equal honour to 
themselves and the cause they had espoused. 
Their sallies had been planned with judgment, 
and were executed with promptness, vigour and 
success. Though on every hand surrounded by 
superior numbers of the enemy, and almost 
destitute of every necessary, they were not in- 
timidated, nor could be induced to make a dis- 
graceful capitulation. 



245 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The following letter which the speaker of 
the House of Commons received from the com- 
mittee at York, will give the terms on which 
the castle was surrendered. 

cc The enemy in Pontefract Castle were 
last week summoned to surrender, which caused 
them to desire a treaty. Accordingly the Colonels 
Wastell, Copley, Overton and Bright, were au- 
thorised to treat. " 

" The castle is to be delivered up to the 
parliament to-morrow at eight o'clock, with every 
thing therein, save that the officers are allowed 
to carry away what is properly their own, so 
that it exceeds not what a cloak bag will con- 
tain, and the garrison are to march to Newark." 

" We are in treaty for Scarbro', which we 
hope shortly will be reduced. This you will 
please to communicate to tjie House, from 

Sirs, &c. 

Francis Pierrepoint, 

York, July 20. 1645. Wilfred Lawson, 

Henry Cholmley." 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 249 



SECTION XIV. 

Events which followed the surrender of the Castle; 
an account of the manner in which it was 
surprised, the last Siege, Surrender, and final 
Demolition, 

ON the surrender of the castle to the troops 
of the parliament, the House of Commons im- 
mediately appointed Sir Tho. Fairfax governor. 
The lords, considering that Col. Poyntz had the 
honour of terminating the siege, and as a reward 
for his services, thinking it was but just to ap- 
point him governor of the castle, sent a mes- 
sage to the commons desiring that they would 
honour him faith this mark of their favour and 
confidence; but being informed that they had al- 
ready appointed Sir Tho. Fairfax, the lords ac- 
quiesced *. Sir Thomas being fully employed in 
pursuing the dispersed and almost vanquished 
royalists, appointed Col. Cotterel as his sub- 
stitute, to the chief command of the castle, 
with an hundred men to attend him. 

There were few places but what now sur- 
rendered to the victorious arms of the parlia- 
mentary forces. Sandall Castle surrendered a 
few days after that of Pontefract. The troops 
which had been employed in the siege of these 
places w 7 ere now at liberty to march against any 
of the small parties of the royalists, which still 
* Whitlock, p. 162. 

K k * 



250 HISTORY OF PONTEFRAGT, 

remained unsubdued. A small party of these 
was collected at Worksop, and were engaged 
n fortifying the manor house there. Colonel 
Copley, who now commanded Major General 
Poyntz's horse, marched from Pontefract to at- 
tack them ; but on his approach they were so 
intimidated that they fled with the utmost pre- 
cipitation. Some, however, of the cavalry and 
pioneers fell into his hand *. 

While the towns and fortresses, which were oc- 
cupied by the king's troops in England, were falling 
before the rapid movements of Fairfax and Crom- 
well, the astonishing achievements of the Marquis 
of Montrose, in Scotland, afforded some consola- 
tion, and shed a gleam of hope among the roy- 
alists. Lord Digby received a commission from 
the king, as Lieutenant General of all the forces 
north of the Trent, and had under him, Sir 
Marmaduke Langdale, Sir Rich. Hutton, and 
others. He was at the head of a body of horse 
amounting to fifteen thousand; and with these 
he resolved to push north, and if possible to 
join Montrose, who had scarcely any cavalry. 

The design was bold, and if it could have 
been executed, might have supported the royal 
cause, and prevented the defeat of Montrose, at 
Philip-Haugh. Lord Digby made the attempt, 
and had successfully led his valiant horse from 
Oxford to Ferrybridge, where he surprised four 
hundred of the parliamentary forces which lay 
there, took their arms from them and shattered 
Col. Wren's regiment of horse. He then pur- 
sued his march to Sherburn, where he halted. 

Col. Copley, who most probably lay at Ponte- 
* Whttlock, p. 177. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 251 

fract, on receiving information of the enemy, im- 
mediately pursued with his cavalry, and soon 
came up with the rear, near Sherburn. Copley 
occupied a commanding ground, near Milford, 
and waited the attack of the enemy. Digby 
sounded to horse, and having collected some of 
his troops, rushed forward to the attack without 
waiting for the remainder. Copley's horse sus- 
tained the charge with firmness, but was after- 
wards compelled to fly. They took the road 
to Sherburn, and Lord Digby 's horse pursued 
them. On seeing the horse flying, those troops 
which had remained in Sherburn considered the 
day as lost, and mounting their horses fled in 
all directions. A troop of Col. Copley's horse, 
which had continued unbroken, now fell on the 
rear of Lord Digby's, whilst the horse he was 
pursuing rallied; and wholly unable to sustain 
this attack, he was routed and pursued three 
miles. 

Lord Digby had however the good fortune 
to escape, and after having encountered many 
difficulties, he reached the Isle of Man, and 
from thence got safe into Ireland. In this ren- 
contre Col. Cornaby, Sir Kichard Hutton, and 
several other officers were kiliecl ; and four Colo- 
nels, many inferior officers, gentlemen and re- 
formadoes, and between three and four thousand 
troopers ; were taken prisoners. The Countess of 
Nidesdale, the Lord Digby's coach, the king's 
surgeon, and much good pillage, were also taken. 
In Lord Digby's coach many letters were found, 
and some to a member of the house of com- 
mons, who in consequence was dismissed*. 

* The account given of this engagement is taken frora 



252 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

This victory was deemed of such importance 
that a special messenger was dispatched to in- 
form the House of it, who voted forty pounds 
as a reward to him. 

From this period the arms of the parliament 
were every where victorious. The city of Ox- 
ford only, where the king shut himself up du- 
ring the winter, remained unsubdued. In this 
hopeless state Charles fled to the Scotch army 
which lay before Newark, and continued in effect 
a prisoner. The royalists were disbanded, and 
those gentlemen, who had enjoyed commissions 
under his Majesty, retired to their own estates 
and lived in privacy. 

The year 1647 passed over in fruitless trea- 
ties between the king and the parliament, and 
in contentions between the latter and the army. 
The army secured the king's person, and directed 
by their officers, overawed and entirely attained 
dominion over the parliament. Amidst the con- 
fusion which arose from these contests, the king 
fled; but not finding a ship to convey him to 
the Continent, he surrendered himself to Ham- 
mond, governor of Carisbrook Castle, in the 
Isle of Wight, where he remained till he was 
brought up for his trial. 

The kingdom in general was dissatisfied at the 
proceedings of the army, but there was no 

Clarendon. The editor suspects his lordship had been led 
to mistate the facts by receiving incorrect information. It 
is most probable that Digby was attacked at unawares, 
and that before he could bring up his remaining troops, 
the few he had were routed, on seeing which the .rest fled. 
It is not probable that Copley's horse, if they had been 
routed, would have fled to Sherburn, into the hands of the 
enemy, when they might have fled either to the right or left. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 253 

power sufficient to counteract them. The Pres- 
byterians endeavoured to liberate the king, and 
the cavaliers and moderate men of all parties 
joined with them. The Scotch declared in his 
favour, and preparations were made to invade 
England, join the Presbyterians and others, and 
immediately to attempt the restoration of the 
king to his throne, on terms consistent with 
the liberty of the subject and the spirit of the 
constitution. 

While these events engrossed the attention 
of the nation, Cotterel, the governor of Ponte- 
fract Casrle, which on account of its strength and 
importance had been preserved from that ruin 
to which many others had been devoted, ex- 
ercised a severe jurisdiction over his neighbours. 
From the details of the first and second sieges 
it will appear, that most of the gentlemen in 
this neighbourhood took an active part in sup- 
port of the king and his prerogatives. On 
the conclusion of the war they had retired to 
their estates, but as they were known to have 
had commissions from the king, and to retain 
the same principles of loyalty, they were narrowly 
watched, and under various pretences fined con- 
siderable sums of money for their delinquency*/ 

* The following list of gentlemen who compounded for 
their estates, or paid fines to the government, and who either 
resided in this part of the country, or took an active part 
in the defence of the castle, will establish the fact stated 
above. This account is taken from a catalogue of such lords, 
Jtnights and gentlemen, as compounded for their estates, printed 
for Thomas Dring, 1655, and from Wilson's MS. pedigree. 

£. s. d. 
Beaumont, Sir Thomas, Whiteley Hall, fined 700 
Bunnv, Francis, Newland, near Wakefield, . 90 



254 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Cotterel, from the information he received, 
which might not be always deserving of credit, 
sent for several of the neighbouring gentlemen, 

£. s. d. 
Bland, Sir Thomas, Kippax Park, who com- 
manded in the siege, . . . . . . . 405 

Beverley, John, of Selby and great Smeaton, 

who was major of a regiment of foot for 

Charles, . • 200 3 

Cutler, Sir Jarvis, Stainborough, .... 192 00 
Copley, Godfrey, Sprotborough, .... 1543 
Cook, Bryan, of Doncaster, fined o£l87 : 6 : 8, 

Settled on . 1833 11 10 

Dalston, Sir George, of Heath, was a member 

of parliament the 16th Charles I. He 

took part with the King, and was fined, 700 
Downey, Christopher, of Cowick, near Snaith, 

was created a Baronet in May 19, 1642. 

He supported Charles in the war, but was 

not fined. Sir John, his son, was created 

by Charles II. Viscount Downe, of the 

kingdom ot Ireland. 

Jackman, Matthew, Empsall, 45 

Lowther, Sir William, Governor of our castle, 200 

Margison, Richard, Armin, 30 

Mountain, Isaac, and his son George, of 

Wistow, £50 per annum, and .... 155 

Neville, Francis, Chevit, 1000 

Nuttal, John, Rawcliff, 320 

Oates,. Richard, Alderman, Pontefract, . . 22 

Stile, Thomas, Kellington, 100 O 

Stringer, Esq. Thomas, Charleston, . . . 485 
Stables, Wm. Alderman, Pontefract, ... 12 

Tatham, John, do 1J4 

1 William, do 75 

Thompson, William, Brotherton, .... 109 
Wentworth, Sir George, Wolley, .... 3188 
Yarborough,, Sir Nicholas, of Baine Hall, . . 600 ' 
This was a branch of the Yarboroughs of 

Snaith Hall. Sir Nicholas was in the 

commission of array for Charles 1. and 

on his : death he was fined the above 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 255 

and detained them prisoners for some time in 
the castle. However this conduct might be jus- 
tified on the ground of prudence, and however 
necessary it was to watch the motions of the 
royalists, it had an unhappy influence on their 
minds. They felt they were always suspected, 
and always insecure, on account of the part they 
had already taken; and were in consequence 
disposed to avail themselves of the first opportu* 
nity to avenge the insults, which they supposed 
they had received, and aid in any attempt to 
restore the king. 

Sir Alarm ad uke Langdale, had received pri- 
vate intelligence that the Scotch were ready to 
invade England, and having received his Ma- 
jesty's commission, he collected what royalists 
he could to give success to the attempt. In his 
way north, he visited several of his old friends in 
this neighbourhood, informed them of the design 
of the Scotch, and that with a view to aid and 
assist in the enterprize he was now hastening 

£. i d. 
sum. His son, Sir Thomas Yarborough, 
was High Sheriff in the tenth of Charles 
II. 1673. 

Woolstoneholme, of Woolstoneholme, Lanca- 
shire, having purchased Nostel Priory, built 
a house there. This son and heir, Sir 
John, carried plate to York, for the use 
of the king, to the value of £10,000, 
and it appears from his own papers that 
he was fined an equal sum for his delin- 
quency 10000 

His son Henry was slain in the battle of Marston Moor; 

and Sir Thomas, his brother, was killed in the battle of Naseby. 

Being reduced by the war, he sold Nostel to the family of 

Gargreaves, of whom it was purchased by Sir George Wynn, 

Bart, in which family it stiil continues. 



256 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

to join them. Some of them noticed, " that it 
would be possible to take the castle of Ponte- 
fract by surprize," and that as the troops of 
the parliament must be drawn from London to 
meet the Scotch, and there would be risings of 
the people in all directions, to reobtain possession 
of the castle, would occupy a part of the ene- 
my's forces, and might contribute to the general 
success." In consequence of this a resolution 
was made, that when the Scotch under the Duke 
of Hamilton should invade England, the gentle- 
men should surprise the castle, and hold it for 
the king. 

Langdale gave them a commission to execute 
the plan, when it should be deemed advisable, 
and settled a method of correspondence between 
himself and them. After his departure, they 
informed him of all their proceedings and receiv- 
ed his directions. They endeavoured to conci- 
liate Cotterel, the governor of the castle, and 
were so successful, that he treated them with 
more humanity and discovered less jealousy than 
he had been accustomed to do. 

Among those who agreed to surprise the 
castle, was one Col. Morrice. He is said to 
have been in his youth, page to Thomas Went- 
worth, of Wentworth Woodhouse, Earl of Staf- 
ford; one of the most able statesmen in the 
kingdom, but the chief adviser of those unconsti- 
tutional measures, which brought on the civil, 
war, of whom Lord Digby said, " I believe his 
practices in themselves have been as high and 
tyrannical as any subject ever ventured upon ; 
and the malignity of them are greatly aggrava- 
ted by those abilities of his, of which God has: 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 257 

given him the use, but the devil the applica- 
tion. " In his service Morrice was trained up, 
and on the breaking out of the war he entered 
into that of the king. He enjoyed the rank of 
an officer; but whether he had received some 
affront, which he could not forgive, or whether 
he thought that he did not enjoy a rank equal 
to his merit, he quitted the service of the king 
in disgust, and joined the army of the parlia- 
ment. 

During the first three years of the war, 
Morrice often distinguished himself by a re- 
solution and courage, which the greatest dan- 
gers appeared rather to increase than subdue. 
Naturally bold, he was often placed in the 
post of honour and difficulty, and obtained 
such renown, as to be noticed and caressed 
by his superior officers. As a reward for his 
services as well as an incitement to his fu- 
ture exertions, he was advanced to the rank of 
colonel. He did not disappoint the expectations 
which his past conduct had raised; but when 
engaged in the most difficult enterprises, he was 
crowned with success. 

Morrice, though respected for his military 
talents, gave offence to the serious part of the 
army, by his dissipation" and licenciousness. He 
did not, like some others, put on the mask of 
seriousness as a cover to the most enormous 
crimes, but whatever his vices were, they were 
notorious. Fie was the devotee of sensual °rati- 
fications, and in his conversation, gay, humorous 
and pleasing; and in consequence became the 
associate and friend of those of a similar taste. 

On new modelling the army, and the intro- 

L 1 * 






258 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

duction of strict discipline, Morrice was left 
unemployed. Fairfax and Cromwell would admit 
none to command, but who either were, or ap- 
peared to be, sober and religious men. They 
however dismissed Morrice wuh professions of the 
highest respect, and promised that as soon as a 
proper occasion occurred, they would again call 
him forth into active service. 

According to Lord Clarendon, Morrice was 
not displeased at being dismissed from the ser- 
vice of the parliament, as he had already begun 
to repent of his late rebellious conduct. Being 
a gentleman possessed of a competent estate in 
this part of Yorkshire*, he came and resided up- 

* The editor laments that his researches to find out the 
place where Colonel Morrice resided, and the estates which 
belonged to him, have been without success. Could this have 
been ascertained, it might have thrown some light on the 
following narrative; and by connecting time and place, would 
have rendered the whole more complete. An historian has 
frequent reason to regret his want of materials, which are 
sometimes locked up in the libraries of the great, and to 
which all access is denied. Castilion Morrice, a son of Col. 
Morrice, whose daughter Ann married William Sykes, of 
Stockholm, merchant, is mentioned in the Milnes' pedigree, Vid. 
Beet ham. This William Sykes was brother ot Richard Sjkes, 
of Leeds and Ledston, whose eldest daughter and coheir mar- 
ried Tho. Wilson, grandfather to the late bishop of Bristol, 
whose second son, Christopher Wilson, Esq. of Elm sal, in 
right of that marriage, possesses the very valuable estate of 
the Park, at Leeds, formerly an appendage to the ancient 
castle of that name. 

The mother of William Sykes, who married Ann, the 
eldest daughter of Castilion Morrice, as above mentioned, mar- 
ried to her second husband Joseph Poole, Esq. of Sykehouse, 
in the parish of Fishlake, a Captain in the army of the par- 
liament, and who frequently hazarded his life, in various at- 
tempts to scale the walls of our castle during the last siege. 
He resided some time after the castle was surrendered and 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 259 

fon it; and resolved to wipe of the stain of rebellion 
by opposing the cause of the parliament, the 
first opportunity which presented. That such a 

dismantled, in the house now called the Castle Chain House ; and 
various letters directed to him there, are still in the possession 
of John Mi'nes, Esq. Wakefield- He afterwards went and 
resided at Chapelthorp, near Wakefield, and at last retired to 
that town, where he ended his days. He was buried in the 
Quakers' burying ground, where a stone still remains to his 
memory. He died Sep. 16, 1704. 

The family of Poole, of Sykehouse and Drax, sprung 
originally from the Pooles of Spinkhill, in the county of Derby. 
Baxter informs us, that the ancestor of Matthew Poole, was 
one of the first to embrace the reformation ; and was in 
consequence driven away from Spinkhill, by another branch 
of the family who was as zealous for popery. There is a 
pedigree of this family in the Herald's Office, which traces the 
family for nineteen generations. Richard Poole, of Sykehouse, 
had issue Francis Poole, Esq. of York, who married the daugh- 
ter of Toppin. Alderman of York; and a second 

son called William. Francis had issue Matthew Pool, the 
industrious author of the Synopsis Criticorum. He succeeded 
Dr. Tuckney at St. Michael's, London, where he faithfully 
discharged the duties of a pastor for fourteen years, till he was 
silenced by the Bartholomew Act. He retired to Holland, 
where he died, greatly lamented by all who knew him ; for 
" he was pleasant in his conversation, true to his friends, 
strict in his piety, and universal in his charity." 

William Poole, the younger son of the above Richard, 
had issue Capt. Samuel Poole, of Leeds, and Capt. Joseph, 
of Wakefield. They had commissions in the army of the par- 
liament. Joseph was engaged in the siege of our castle, as 
above stated. Capt. Samuel had issue, by Silence, daughter 
of Peter Saxton, vicar of Leeds, David Poole, | Josiah and 

Obadiah. David Poole married Mary, relict of 

Masse y, Esq. by whom he had Josiah Poole, of Liverpool, 

merchant. Josiah Poole married and had issue David 

Poole, of Young sbury, Herefordshire, Prime Sergeant at Law. 
This David married Jane, daughter and heir of John Bird, 
Esq. of Youngsbury, and had issue Josiah Poole, Esq. of Knol- 
tingley, who dying unmarried, at Bath, the estate has descend- 
ed to his younger brother, David Poole, Esq. of Ackworth. 



260 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

resolution should be formed at the time of his 
dismissal, clearly indicates that he sensibly felt the 
mortification of disappointed hope in the career 
of ambition ; and it is probable that his future 
conduct was regulated as much by a spirit of 
revenge as by the impulse of loyalty. 

As an officer who had hitherto distinguished 
himself in the cause of the parliament, he was 
readily admitted to the confidence of Cotterel, 
the governor of our castle. A continual inter- 
course produced on the part of the governor a 
sincere friendship, and he honoured him with 
e\evy mark of genuine esteem and regard. 
Morrice visited the castle when ever he pleased, 
and sometimes remained there for a week, eat- 
ing at the same table, and sleeping in the same 
bed, with the governor. By the sprightliness 
of his temper, and the vivacity of his wit, he 
banished the tedium of military duty, and gained 
such an ascendancy, that the governor parted 
from him with reluctance, and was impatient 
for the repetition of his visits. 

While Morrice had the address to secure 
the friendship, and render himself almost neces- 
sary to the comfort, of the governor, he had 
entered into an agreement with the royalists to 
surprise the castle. When these met together in 
considerable numbers to devise means to effect 
their purpose, he never appeared among them; 
and only the three PauJdens seem to have known 
his intention. To keep clear of all suspicion he 
associated with some of the most zealous friends 
of the parliament. 

To try the spirit of the country, he w r ent 
to all the neighbouring towns on market-days 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 261 

and at their fairs, and entered into free conver- 
sation with men of every description. The 
information which he collected, he communicated 
to the royalists for their direction, and in like 
manner to the governor to preserve his confi- 
dence and favour. 

The royalists were accustomed to meet at the 
house of the Rev. Mr. Beaumont, rector of 
South Kirkby. At one of their meetings, one of 
the Pauldens informed them, " that a gentleman 
on whom they might rely with the utmost con- 
fidence, would surprise the castle whenever they 
should think the season ripe for it." He there- 
fore advised them to desist from any attempt, 
and wait till they should receive directions 
how to proceed, and assured them of final suc- 
cess. He observed, that if time, place, and other 
circumstances were fixed, and communicated to all 
engaged so long beforehand, it was probable the 
design would be detected and finally frustrated. 
They agreed to enlist men who should be ready 
to take arms when required; and they soon ob- 
tained about three hundred foot and fifty horse, 
who had served under them in the preceeding 
war. 

While measures were thus adopted without, 
Morrice was no less active in carrying on his 
design within the castle. He corrupted Major 
Ashby, Ensign Smith and Sergeant Lloyd, and 
a corporal, who entered into his plan, and en- 
gaged to assist in surprising the fortress. The 
garrison did not exceed one hundred men, and 
many of these were quartered in the town -, so 
that it appeared not difficult to seize the fort- 
ress, provided the design should not be discovered. 



252 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

To prevent all suspicion on the part of the 
governor, Morrice, as if concerned for his safety 
informed brm, " that he ought to take great 
care that he had none but faithful men a the 
castle, as he was confident there were some men 
who did not live far off, and who many times 
came to visit him, who had some design upon 
the place." He however assured him, " that 
there was a false brother amongst them, who 
would not fail to give him timely notice of their 
design; and that whenever they should be ready 
to make the attempt, he wou!d throw himself 
into the castle with forty or fifty resolute men, 
whom he had engaged for that purpose, and 
who with the garrison would be sufficient to de- 
fend the place, and repel any attack. 

The persons whom Morrice privately enga- 
ged were zealous adherents of the parliament ; 
and some of these he occassionally brought with 
him to the castle, and mentioned them to the 
governor, as the persons who were prepared, 
whenever it should be deemed necessary to come 
to his assistance. The governor had no suspi- 
cion of the insincerity of Morrice ; and his pre- 
tended zeal for the cause, in endeavouring to 
detect the design of the royalists, and in adopt- 
ing prudent measures to prevent its accom- 
plishment, encreased his confidence in him. 

The state of the country, and the meetings 
of the royalists in different parts, at length 
raised a general suspicion of some design 
against the castle*; and Cotterei received several 

* Nov. 30, 164-7, letters from Major Gen. Povntz in- 
formed of a design to surprise Pontefract for the king. Vid. 
Whitlock. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 263 

letters from his friends requesting him " to take 
care of Col. Morrice, who had resolved to be- 
tray him," for he had been at the meetings of 
some men who were most malignant. Morrice, 
who now attended the meetings of the royalists, 
pretended to inform the governor of what passed, 
so that on the reception of such letters, the go- 
vernor shewed them to him and they both smiled. 

On such occasions Morrice said, " that 
though the governor had no mistrust of his 
friendship, and knew him too well to think him 
capable of such baseness, yet for his own sake, 
he ought not to slight the information, as it 
would make] his friends less careful of him; 
and that if he had not informed him respecting 
them, there would be just reason to suspect 
him of an intention to betray the castle; that 
on this account it would be better for him to 
retire j^to his own house, till such time as jea- 
lousy and suspicion had subsided." 

In this artful manner he managed the go- 
vernor, and by making pretended discoveries of 
the royalists, he rendered it necessary for him- 
self to be consulted in order to frustrate them. 
General Poyntz, who formed a true estimate of 
the character and principles of Morrice, faithfully 
warned Cotterel to guard against his duplicity 
and treachery; but he, judging of the sincerity 
of Morrice's profession of friendship and zeal 
from his own, neglected the warning. 

At length the time for this bold and enter- 
prising man to strike the blow he had long 
meditated, approached. The daily risings of 
the royalists in England, and the alarms of the 
Scottish invasion, led the party who had confe- 



264 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

derated with Morrice to make the attempt. 
They had waited some time impatiently for an 
express order N from Sir M. Langdale, who had 
in the north surprised Carlisle and taken Ber- 
wick; bat none arriving, they supposed that one 
must have been sent, but had miscarried. They 
waited on the Pauldens, and maintained that 
to delay the attempt longer would be dangerous; 
and the Pauldens waited on Morrice to fulfil 
his engagement. 

The time agreed upon was a certain night* 
when the corporal, whom Morrice had corrupted, 
should be upon guard, and when the gentlemen 
engaged were to be ready near a particular 
part of the wall, where the corporal would place 
sentinels acquainted with the design, and who 
were to aid in the attempt. Morrice himself 
hastened to the castle, and on that very night 
slept, as usual, with the governor. The gentlemen, 
to the number of eighty on horseback, each 
carrying a footman behind him, came accord- 
ing to appointment, but a circumstance, which 
could not be foreseen, occurred, and prevented 
the accomplishment of their scheme. The cor- 
poral had got drunk the evening before, most 
probably with the intention to render himself 
more bold and daring, in the proposed assault. 
Overpowered by sleep he forgot his engage- 
ments, and being unfit for duty, another person 
was appointed sentinel on that part of the wall 
which was to be scaled. 

The gentlemen had brought with them sca- 
ling ladders, and whatever they conceived ne- 
cessary to the success of their enterprise. On 
* May 22, 1648. Vid. Whitlock. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 26 S 

mounting their ladders, the sentinel discovered 
them, called out to them, ran to the court of 
the castle to call for assistance, and gave a 
general alarm. Supported by the other men 
on duty he returned, and commencing a vigorous 
fire on the assailants, they were compelled to 
fly, leaving a ladder in the ditch. 

On the alarm being given Morrice arose, 
and finding the design defeated, took an active 
part in the castle. Being with the governor 
at the time this attempt was made, was a cir- 
cumstance to which either suspicion or confi- 
dence might be attached; and Morrice and his 
accomplices had the good fortune to escape de- 
tection. 

The next morning the ladder which the as- 
sailants left' in the ditch, was a sufficient proof 
that a real attempt had been made to surprise 
the castle. The troops collected for this attack, 
on being discovered, dispersed. One half of the 
horse marched north, and joined Langdale; the 
other kept in the woods, while they sent spies 
into the castle, to gain information whether 
their friends within were safe, or whether the 
whole plot had been detected, and they were 
secured and confined. The spies soon returned, 
and brought them the pleasing intelligence, that 
the enterprise had only failed through the in- 
toxication of the corporal, but that neither Mor- 
rice nor any of his accomplices were in the least 
suspected. They now departed to their own 
homes, to take other measures for the accom- 
plishment of their design. 

The governor now became more vigilant, and 
ordered all those soldiers, who had slept in the 

Mm * 



266 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

town, to repair to the castle. But this vigilance 
proved the very means of the castle being 
surprised, and himself made prisoner. For 
granting warrants to fetch beds and provi- 
sions, against an appointed time, out of the 
country for the accommodation of the garrison, 
Morrice and Capt. William Paulden, disguised 
like country gentlemen, with nine others like 
plain peasants and constables to attend and 
guard them, having pocket pistols, daggers, &c. 
concealed under their garments, appeared at the 
castle gate, with carts loaded with provisions, 
Beds, &c. On their arrival the draw bridge 
was soon let down, and the beds and provisions 
having been delivered at the main guard just 
within the gate, money was given to some of 
the sentinels to fetch ale, on pretence to make 
them merry. Scarce had these departed when 
Morrice and his friends seized on and mastered 
the main guard, made way for their friends 
horse and foot to enter, and then drew up the 
draw bridge; they forced most of the guard into 
a dungeon about thirty steps in depth, which 
would hold about three hundred men. One of 
the confederates, reserved for that purpose, went 
to shew Captain William Paulden, and a few 
others, the sub-governor's appartment, whom they 
found newly laid down on the bed in his clothes, 
with his tuck or long sword beside him. The 
captain told him the castle was surprised and 
himself a prisoner. Cotterel suddenly arose and 
made a home thrust at the captain, who parried 
the attack, and equal valour was displayed on 
both sides, till the governor, finding himself 
sorely wounded in the head and arm made a 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 267 

desperate lunge at Paulden, but missing his 
aim, had the misfortune to break his tuck 
against the bedpost. At this moment entered 
Morrice and the other officers and gentlemen, 
of whom he had been so often warned. To 
attempt a longer defence against such numbers 
would have been vain and useless; and nothing 
now remained but to beg quarter, which was 
readily granted. Morrice comforted him with 
the assurance cc of good usage, and that he 
would procure his pardon from the king for his 
rebellion." However he was sent to his men 
in the dungeon. Notice of the affair having 
been sent to Capt. Tho. Paulden, he marched 
into the castle with thirty horse; and about 
five hundred foot, part of the king's scattered 
troops joined them soon after. This happened 
the 6th of June, 1648, which being the market- 
day, afforded them an opportunity of furnishing 
themselves with all manner of provisions from 
the town. They found in the castle a good 
quantity of salt and malt, with four thousand 
stand of arms, a good store of ammunition, some 
cannon, and two mortar pieces. 

The conduct of Morrice towards Cotterel 
merits general infamy. He had been the object 
of his sincere regard, and unsuspecting confi- 
dence. He had eaten his bread, and on all oc- 
casions had been treated with such kindness as 
ought to have unnerved the arm of an enemy, 
and subdued malignity itself. Nor let it be sup- 
posed that the end justified the means. He 
might have been loyal without being treacherous; 
he might as a friend to the king have thought 
it his duty to surprise the castle, but he ought 



268 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

to have preserved sacred the claims and the 
rights of friendship. The man, who had by 
turns betrayed all parties, whatever his talents 
might be, can have no claim to be considered 
in any other light, than as totally destitute 
of principle, and governed solely by caprice, 
revenge, or ambition. 

The regular troops of the parliament were 
principally under the command of Gen. Lam- 
bert, who had been sent to watch the motions 
and check the progress of Sir Philip Musgrave, 
and Sir Marmaduke Langdale, in the north. 
The committee of the militia in Yorkshire, imme- 
diately appointed Sir Edward Rodes * and Sir 

* Rodes, Sir Edward. Wilson derives the pedigree of this 
family from the Rodes', Barons of Horncastle, in the county 
of Lincoln. In the Milnes Pedigree, (Beetham's Baronet- 
age,) there is no notice of any connection between the two 
families; and the account begins with Francis Rodes, of 
Staveley Woodthorpe, in the county of Derby, Esq. one of 
the judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in the time of 
Eliz. He died Jan. 7, 31st year of Elizabeth. The judge 
was twice married, and had issue by both his wives. The 
eldest son of the first marriage, was Sir John Rodes, of 
Balborough, whose second son, Sir Francis Rodes, was created' 
a Baronet, August 14, 1641. The second son of the first 
marriage, was Sir Peter Rodes, of Hickleton, in this county. 

Sir Godfrey Rodes, of Great Houghton, in the county of 
York, the fourth son of the Judge, but eldest son of the 
second marriage, had issue Sir Edward Rodes, of Great 
Houghton, Knt. In the Civil war, he took an active part in 
favour of the parliament. The great Earl of Strafford married 
his daughter, and on this account he was suspected of not 
being hearty in the cause. He was taken into custody, and 
with the Hothams committed to the Tower, but as nothing 
could be proved against him, he was liberated. He seems 
however, to have acted on principle, and we find him enga- 
ged throughout^? this contest in the support of the parliament. 
After the battle of Preston, he was ordered by Cromwell to 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 269' 

Henry Cholmley, to levy troops, with orders to 
draw near to Pontefract, and if they found 
themselves not sufficiently strong to form the 
siege of the castle, then to endeavour to keep 
in the garrison, and preserve the surrounding 
country from being plundered. 

A week elapsed before these orders of the 
committee could in any degree be executed; 

collect what troops he could, and pursue the flying Duke of 
Hamilton. He lived till after the restoration, and in the 2d 
of Charles II. was High Sheriff of this county. As he con* 
tinued a Dissenter, it is probable his connection with Went- 
worth, Earl of Strafford, whose attainder was reversed after the 
restoration, was the reason why he was permitted to fill this 
office. His house became an Assylum to the ejected Ministers, 
who refused to comply with the act of Uniformity. 

He had issue William Rodes, of Great Houghton, Esq. 
his third son, and at length heir, who married Frances, daugh- 
ter of R. Wilson, of Leeds, merchant, who was great-grand- 
father to Christopher Wilson, late Bishop of Bristol, father of 
Christopher Wilson, of Elmsal Lodge. William Rodes, had 
Richard Rodes of Great Houghton, Esq. who married Martha, 
daughter of Elkanah Rich, of Bull-house, in the parish of 
Penniston, Esq. and only sister of the whole blood of Aymer 
Rich, Esq. of the same place. The said R. Rodes, died 
February 4, 1720 — 1, and had issue by the said Martha, his 
wife, two daughters coheirs, of whom Mary, the eldest died 
unmaried, March 14-, 1789, and was buried at Darfield; 
Martha, the younger, married Hans Busk, of Leeds, merchant, 
and had issue by him, Mary Anne, married to the late James 
Milnes, oi Thornes House, Esq.; Martha, who died unmarried ; 
and Rachel, who married R. Slater Milnes, of Frystone, Esq. 

The family of Milnes, to which the Rodej' estates have 
descended, is originally from Ashford, in the county of Derby, 
and in the court rolls of the manors of Ashford, can be traced 
back as chief copyholders, to the time of Edward I. The 
pedigree of this family exhibits a most striking instance of 
commercial enterprise and success ; and it may be questioned 
whether it can be equalled in this respect, by any other 
family in the kingdom. Vid. Beetham. 



270 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and in this period the royalists put the garrison 
in good order, and repaired and renewed such 
fortifications as they judged necessary for their 
defence. They supplied themselves with piovi- 
sions of all sorts; and such numbers of their 
friends came into the castle from the counties 
of York, Nottingham, and Lincoln, that they 
became sufficiently powerful, not only to defend 
the castle, but commence offensive operations 
against the enemy. Among those who now 
entered the castle were Sir John Digby, Sir 
Hugh Cartwright, his son and a nephew, who 
had all been good officers in the royal army, 
during the preceding war, and were now rea- 
dily joined by many of the soldiers who had 
been under their command. 

The gentlemen and soldiers who formed the 
garrison chose Col. Morrice to be their governor. 
His military talents were well known, and no 
one appeared more fit to enjoy the command; 
but he had too much experience wholly to com- 
ply with the wishes of bis fellow soldiers. He 
was aware, that as there were gentlemen of rank 
and fortune in the castle much superior to him- 
self, jealousy and discord might be the conse- 
quence of his acceptance. He therefore recom- 
mended Sir John Digby, who had received a 
commission as commander of these parts, to the 
honourable rank of governor. Sir John, though 
hearty in the cause, was sensible that he was 
not equal to the command, which led him to 
refer all things to the counsel and conduct of 
those officers who were under him; and as 
Morrice was one of the most distinguished among 
them, he may be considered as the real, and 
Digby as the nominal, governor. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 271 

At the time the castle was surprised, the gar- 
rison had not provisions for more than a month ; 
but such was the success of different parties 
sent out to forage, that they soon obtained 
supplies for several months, in case they should 
be hemmed in, and have to sustain a siege. 
Before the troops under Sir Henry Cholmley 
were sufficiently powerful to keep in the gar- 
rison, a party from the castle seized on three 
hundred cattle from the north, at Knottingley. 
They were under a. guard of two troops of 
horse, commanded by Capt. Clayton. The party 
from the garrison consisted only of thirty horse 
and six foot, who sallied forth in the night, 
attacked and routed the enemy, and took many 
prisoners. The contest was desperate between 
the horse on each side, and the royalists, in 
being so much outnumbered by the enemy, 
gained greater honour in the victory *, 

Another party from the castle had, on the 
3d of July, pushed forward as far as the Trent, 
and taken the Island of Axholm. They after- 
wards proceeded to Lincoln, where they plun- 
dered the friends of the parliament, and took 
Capt. Bret, Capt. Fines, and Mr. Ellis pri- 
soners, and killed Air. Smith, an officer of the 

* The above is the statement of Lord Clarendon. Paul- 
den gives a more credible account of 'this affair. "Having 
notice that there were at Knottingley three hundred Lead ot 
cattle from the North, going South, under a guard ot five 
troops of horse, we marched forth at night with thirty horse, 
and half a doz?n foot, with half-pikes to drive the cattle. 
We faced the troops, that guarded them, while our foot drove 
the herd towards the castle ; then we followed, and kept be- 
twixt them and danger, the enemy not daring to charge us, 
and we all came safe to the castle." Paulden's Letter. 



272 HISTORY OF P0NTEFRAC7. 

sequestrations. The conduct of this party was 
highly imprudent, in pushing forwards to so 
great a distance, unsupported by any body of 
reserve. Had they retreated precipitately, they 
might probably have reached the castle in safety; 
but instead of adopting this line of conduct, 
regardless of danger, they remained for some 
days in Lincoln, and its vicinity. In their pro- 
gress numbers of royalists had joined them, 
and the horse now amounted to one thousand, 
besides the infantry. Col. Kossiter fell in with 
them on their return, at a place called Wil- 
loughby Field, routed the whole party, took 
both horse and their riders, the commander in 
chief and all his officers, with all their bag and 
baggage ; the remainder fled, and there were 
not many slain*. 

The disaster which befel the last mentioned 
party, did not prevent other parties from issuing 
forth on similar plundering expeditions; and by 
raising contributions, they rendered themselves 
terrible to the adherents of the parliament. 
They took many substantial men prisoners, 
whom they carried to the castle and detain- 
ed there, till they redeemed themselves by the 
payment of large sums of money for their ran- 
som. Sir Arthur Ingram f was carried off from 

* Whitlock, p. 318. 
f Ingram, Sir Arthur, a wealthy citi2en of London, pur- 
chased the manor of Temple Newsome, and other lands in 
Yorkshire, and was High Sheriff of the county of York, in 
1619. He had a son Arthur, who was also High Sheriff in 
1630. On the commencement of the Civil war, he took the 
part of the parliament, and continued to adhere to the same 
cause. The royalists paid him this domiciliary visit, and re- 
torted on .hiin the conduct of the parliamentarians. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 273 

his own bouse at Temple-Newsome, by a maraud- 
ing party; nor could be regain bis liberty un- 
til be bad paid fifteen hundred pounds. 

While these events occurred in this place 
and neighbourhood, Cromwell had completely 
subdued Cols. Langhorn, Powel, and Payer, and 
the whole of Wales. He afterwards pushed 
through Cheshire and Lancashire, and joined 
Lambert about Knaresborough. The Duke of 
Hamilton, with the Scotch, had entered Eng- 
land and joined Langdale, and they had marched 
by way ot Kendall, towards Lancashire. Crom- 
well pursued them, and coming up with the 
horse under Langdale, at Preston, immediately 
commenced an attack. The charge was so vi- 
gorous that the royalists were driven from their 
posts, with the loss of about one thousand slain., 

He had a son, Sir Thomas, who was in favour with 
Charles II. ; and was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of 
Lancaster, and sworn one of his Majesty's privy council. He 
married Francis, daughter of Viscount Falconberge ; but dying 
without issue, was succeeded by his brother Sir Arthur, 
and he by his eldest son, Sir Henry, who having manifested 
his loyalty to King Charles I. and II. was by the latter created 
Lord Ingram, and Viscount Irvine or Irwin. He married 
Lady Essex, eldest daughter of the second Earl of Manchester, 
J and had issue two s'.ns and a daughter. 

Arthur, who succeeded him as second Viscount, married 
Isabel, daughter of John Mitchel, of Horsham, in Essex, E^q. 
by whom he had issue seven sons, Richard, Edward, Arthur, 
Henry and Charles, successively Viscounts Irvine ; Geo. canon 
of Windsor, and chaplain to the House of Commons ; and 
William, an eminent merchant in Holland. By the failure of 
the male line, the title became extinct ;n J 7 82. The female 
branches have married into some of the first families in the 
kingdom. -, 

A younger branch of the Ingram family settled at Knott 
tingley, which has now become extinct. 

n n * 



£74 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

and numbers taken prisoners. Capt. Timothy 
Paulden, one of those gentlemen who had first 
agreed to surprise our castle, added to the 
number of the slain. He was major in Col, 
Boynton's regiment, under the Earl of Derby, 
and was unfortunately shot as he was crossing a 
small stream. 

Hie successive defeats of the royalists at 
Vigan, Warrington, &c. destroyed the hopes 
of that party. The garrison here were sensibly 
affected with these events; and particularly at 
what had befallen their old general, Sir Mar- 
maduke Laogdale. He and some others, with 
a part of the Scotch army, had fled to Utox- 
eter, in Staffordshire. Gen. Lambert pursued 
them with such rapidity that they were imme- 
diately assaulted, and Duke Hamilton with most 
of the officers taken prisoners. Langdale, 'it is 
fcaid, disguised himself, and with a few others, 
made his escape; but was taken soon after near 
Nottingham, and committed to the castle there. 

The garrison now began to foresee the ca- 
lamities to which they would be soon exposed. 
The king had not an army in his whole domi- 
nion to which they could look for relief; nor 
was there another 'fortress, except Searbro', which 
hejd out for him. The only circumstance, which 
.eould brighten the general gloom, was the un- 
settled state of the country. In a period when 
the most uncommon and extraordinary events 
daily occurred, it might be hoped that something 
of a favourable nature would arise, and that at 
least peace would be established between the 
the king and his parliament. 

About this period the garrison was suitt- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 275 

moned to surrender the castle, but either the 
terms offered were deemed dishonourable, or 
the spirit of the garrison was too high to sub- 
mit. It appears that a treaty of some kind had 
been entered into betwixt the besieged and the 
besiegers, as letters directed to the parliament 
from the committee at York, informed the House 
" that the treaty about Pontefract not taking 
effect, they desired twenty thousand pounds for 
the soldiery," and the house ordered twelve thou- 
sand *." 

Lord Fairfax, general in chief, appointed 
Gen. Rainsborough to command the troops be- 
fore the castle of Pontefract. Sir Henry Cholm- 
ley f, who had been appointed to this command 

* Whitlock, p. 336. 

f The family of Cholmley has long been seated at Whitby, 
Goldston, and Roxby, in the North Riding of this county. 
Sir Richard Cholmley, of Whitby, was high sheriff of this 
county, in the first of Edward IV. He married two wives, 
first, Margaret, daughter of William Lord Coniers, and by 
her had issue three sons, Francis, Roger and Richard, and 
three daughters, Margaret, (who married Sir James Strange- 
ways, of Great Smeaton,) Elizabeth, (who married Roger 
Beck with Esq. son and heir of Sir Leonard Beck with, of 
Selby, Knight,) Ann and Jane. 

His second wire was the daughter of Henry Lord Clifford, 
the first Earl of Cumberland, and the widow of John Lord 
Scroop, of Bolton. By her he had issue John, who died 
young, Henry, and Catharine, who married R. Dutton, Esq. 
of Whitby. 

Francis, son and heir of Sir Richard, married Joan, daugh- 
ter and coheir of Sir Richard Bulmer, Knight, but died with- 
out issue. 

Sir Henry Cholmley, Knight, second son by his second 
wife and heir to Francis, inherited the estate and married 
Margaret, daughter of Sir William Bapthorp, of Bapthorp, 
Knight. He had issue Sir Richard, Henry, John, and Barbara, 
(who married Sir Tho. Bellasis, Bart, afterward created Visct, 



276 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

by the committee of the militia, was highly 
offended at this appointment, and petitioned 
parliament against it. He seems to have con- 
sidered it as a reflection on his honour and 
talents, and in his letter asserts " that the dis- 
paragement to him would be great." The House 
referred the letter and the whole of the busi- 
ness to General Fairfax, to settle it as he should 

Falconberg) Margaret, Dorothy, Hilda, and Mary, (who 
married Henry Fairfax, Rector of Bolton Percy, and second 
brother to Ferdinando, Lord Fairfax, of Denton,) Ann, Susanna, 
and Arabella. 

Sir Richard, son and heir of Henry, married two wives; 

first, Susanna, daughter of Ledyard, of Gatton, Esq. 

by whom he had issue, Sir Hugh, Sir Henry, (who c carried 
Katharine, daughter of Henry Stappleton, of Wighill, Esq. 
widow of Sir George Twisleton, of Barlow, near Selby,) and 
two daughters, Mary and Ursula. 

His second wife, was Margaret, daughter of Wm. Cobb, 
Esq. and by her, he had issue Sir Richard, (who married 
Margaret, daughter of John Lord Powlet.) This Sir Richard 
Cholmley, was High Sheriffe, 1623. 

Sir Hugh, his son and heir, (married Elizabeth, daughter 
of Sir William Twisden, of East Peckham, in Kent,) and had 
issue Sir William, Sir Samuel, Hugh, Elizabeth and Ann. 
This Sir Hugh was created a Baronet in the year 1641. On 
the breaking out of the Civil war, he threw himself into 
Scarborough Castle, of which he was governor for some time. 
He attended on the queen, with eight thousand horse and foot, 
which cost him c£lOOOO, and for which he afterwards suffered 
a tedious banishment, and paid for his delinquency oflSoO. 

Sir Henry, his younger brother, espoused the cause of the 
parliament; was appointed one of the committee of the militia 
for Yorkshire, and commanded the troops before our castle. 
This is a singular instance of the unhappy divisions made in 
families during these troublesome times ; brother literally rose 
up against brother. 

The baronetage has become extinct; and the male line of 
one of the branches has ended in an heiress, whose husband 
has by licence again taken the name of Cholmley, and re- 
sides at Housham. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 277 

think proper, but to take care to preserve the 
honour of -Sir Henry Cholmley, and that the 
business be carried on against the enemy *." 

Cromwell, having settled the affairs of Scot- 
land, and left Gen. Lambert there with a few 
regiments, marched at the head of the rest of 
his forces into England. When he reached New- 
castle he was received with every mark of re- 
spect and honour; and he continued there for 
some time to settle the affair of the northern 
countries. He however dispatched a body of 
troops to Fontefract, to strengthen the besiegers; 
and on the 30th of October the troops of the 
parliament, in and about Pontefiact, kept a 
day of thanksgiving for his success in Scotland f. 

While the besiegers were thus exulting in 
the victories they had obtained, the besieged 
were suffering the vexation of disappointed hope, 
and envy ng the superior felicity of their enemies. 
They did not however sink into a state of 
apathy and indifference, but retained their usual 
valour and prudence. They were as bold and 
courageous to attack their enemies, by well 
conducted sallies, as they were resolute and 
firm to resist when attacked. A party from 
the garrison issued forth on the 3 1st, and fell 
on the besiegers with such impetuosity as to 
bear down all before them. In this rencontre 
they slew many, and made some prisoners t. 

On some occasions both the besiegers and 
the besieged rested on their arms, and drank to 
one another by the name of brother Roundead, 
and brother Cavalier; epithets which distinguished 

* Whitlock, p. 344. f It>id- p. 346. j; Ibid. 346. 



27fc HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

the adherents of the parliament, and of the 
king*. 

The besiegers had not hitherto made any 
impression on the garrison; nor had they strait- 
ened and confined them in 'any great degree, 
as they still kept possession of the New Hall, 
as an outwork to the castle. The little progress 
made in the siege, notwithstanding the numbers 
of men employed, sufficiently proved that either 
Sir Henry Cholmiey was unequal to the com- 
mand, or that he was negligent in the. discharge 
of the duties of his office. It is probable that 
Gen. Fairfax, who knew the strength of the 
castle, considered a more able and experienced 
officer necessary to reduce it; and that on 
this account he adhered to his former appoint- 
ment of Gen. Rainsborough to the chief com* 
mand. 

Whether Rainsborough ever came to Ponte* 
fract, to take the command, is not clear. It 
appears from letters sent from York to the 
parliament, that the difference between Sir H. 
Cholmlev and Rainsborough gave great advantage 
to the enemy f. From this it should seem 
that Rainsborough did come, and that Sir H. 
Cholmiey would not give up the command to 
him. If Rainsborough did come he must have 
soon departed, and left Sir K. Cholmiey again 
to conduct the siege.' 

The unsuccessful manner in which the siege 
was carried on, at length compelled the gene* 
ral in chief to send Rainsborough, with two 
regiments of horse and twelve hundred foot, to 
take the command. He had reached Doncas- 

* Whitxock,. p. 344, f Ibid- 



HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. 2^9 

ter, where most part of the infantry were lodged, 
and the horse lay east and west of the town. 
On his arrival Capt. ffl. Paulden formed a 
scheme to surprise and take him prisoner, with 
an intention to exchange him for Sir M. Lang- 
dale, his old I general. The scheme, on reflec- 
tion, would seem rash and wholly impracticable. 
How could a few men surprise a general in the 
midst of his troops ? What seems improbable 
on the ground of reason is often rendered cer- 
tain by the united efforts of prudence and courage. 
At midnight, on the 31st of October, Capt. 
Paulden, taking twenty-two select men in whom 
he could most confide, well mounted, rode> 
through the open gate over the meadows be- 
tween two of the enemy's horse guards, whom 
by favour of the night, they passed. They 
were all good guides, and understood the ways 
public and private very exactly. At break of 
day they reached Mexborough, from whence 
they sent a spy to Doncaster, to know if there 
was any previous caution sent against them, 
and ordered him to meet them at Conisborough 
when the day was closed. In the mean time 
they refreshed themselves and their horses till 
about noon. At night the spy returned, and 
assured them there was no mistrust, and at sun- 
rise a person would come with a Bible in his 
hand, as a silent indication that all was right 
according to their earnest desire. On the fol- 
lowing morning, by break of day, the man ac- 
cordingly came; and Capt. Wm. Paulden then 
divided his twenty-two men into four parties, 
six were to attack the main guard, six the 
guard upon the bridge, four were ordered to 



280 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Gen. JRainsborough's quarters, and the captain 
with the remaining six., after he had seen the 
four men enter the general's lodgings, was to 
beat about the street and keep the enemy from 
assembling. On their approach to the town, 
attacking the first barricadoes, the soldiers fled 
into the country, and the guard on the bridge, 
having flung their weapons into the water, scam- 
pered for their lives. The main guard was sud- 
denly surprised by an interposition between 
them and their arms; and the men were or- 
dered to disperse and make the best of their 
way out of clanger. In the mean time the art- 
ful captain and his men were tracing the town, 
to prevent their enemies from joining together. 
Those royalists who came to the general's lod- 
gings, pretended to the guard and the lieute- 
nant, who were on duty, that they had brought 
letters from Oliver Cromwell. The gate of the 
inn being opened, three of them only went in, 
the other rode to the bridge, leading to Ponte- 
fract, where he expected and found a guard of 
horse and foot, with whom he entered into dis- 
course^ telling them " that he stayed for his 
officer who was gone in to speak with the ge- 
neral," and called for some drink. The guards 
making no question of his being a friend, sent 
for drink and talked with him of news, and it 
being now broad day, some of the horse alight- 
ed, and the foot went over to the court of the 
guard, conceiving that morning's work to be 
over. Of the three who entered the inn gate, 
two only went up, and the other remained be- 
low and held the horses, and talked with the 
spldier who had walked with them from the 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 281 

guard. The two, who went up stairs, were in- 
troduced by the lieutenant into Rainsborough's 
chamber. He had been awakened by the noise 
of opening the door, but was still in bed. They 
delivered to him a packet containing only blank 
paper. While he was employed in opening it, 
one of them seized his sword, and the other dis- 
armed the lieutenant, and then informed him, 
"that he was their prisoner; and ihat if he would 
arise and without resistance or delay, put on his 
clothes and go along with them, they assured him 
not a hair of his head should be hurt ; but if he 
should delay or resist, they declared, they 
would instantly put him to death." Not hav- 
ing the means of resistance, nor knowing the 
strength of the enemy, and astonished at this 
unexpected event, the general yielded to the 
necessity of his circumstances, and prepared to 
go with them. 

Having dressed himself as speedily as possible, 
he was led down stairs and conducted into the 
street. Expecting to find the whole town oc- 
cupied by the troops of the enemy, and on 
coming into the street, perceiving only one 
soldier, who held the horses of the other two, 
impelled by his native courage, he felt indignant 
at the thought of submitting to be led away 
like a captive, and immediately called out 
for assistance. The royalists now siezed him, 
with the resolution of binding and placing him 
behind their companion, who had already 
mounted his horse, and had designed in this 
manner to have conveyed him to the castle of 
Pontefract. Rainsborough, although without 
arms, exerted his utmost efforts to disengage 

oo * 



282 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

himself; and during the struggle, one of thtf 
royalists unfortunately let bis sword and pistol 
fall. The latter instrument of death was instantly 
seized by Rainsborough's lieutenant; who immedi- 
ately prepared to discharge its contents at Capt. 
W. Paulden. Lieutenant Austvvick, who was 
the person that had mounted his horse, in or- 
der to take Rainshorough behind him, no sooner 
observed the pistol in the hand of an enemy, than 
he sprung from his horse, and run him through 
the body. The pistol was already cocked, and 
had not Austwick prevented its discharge, its 
contents would have been fatal to Paulden. 

Rainsborough still continued the unequal 
contest. His opponents found him to be a brave 
and a veteran soldier, who respected his honour 
more than his life. He had already received 
a wound in his neck ; but springing upon his 
feet, and having seized the fallen sword, would 
have slain his opponents, had not Austvvick, 
enraged at so desperate a resistance, once more 
come to the assistance of his companions. He 
ended the contest by a home thrust of his 
sabre, which laid Rainsborough dead at his feet. 

On this they mounted their horses, and rode 
towards their companions, before any of the 
troops of the enemy could collect together. The 
different parties of royalists having joined, 
marched towards the bridge; and dispersing the 
guard in all directions, took the shortest course 
towards Pontefract. • 

This unexpected attack had thrown the town 
of Doncaster into the utmost consternation. Some 
of the soldiers rose from their beds, and fled 
across the fields undressed. Others came into 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 283 

the street; and on seeing their general and the 
lieutenant weltering in their blood, but meeting 
with no enemies, were wholly at a loss how 
to act. As they did not know what direction 
they had taken, they could not with propriety 
pursue. So that the royalists, without the least 
injury to man or horse, and having taken in 
their return forty or fifty prisoners, reached 
the castle in safety. 

Had the design of the royalists been to 
have murdered Rainsborough, they ought to be 
considered as no better than midnight assassins. 
In this case the whole transaction will appear 
barbarous and cruel, and altogether unbecoming 
the character of the valiant and the brave. As 
one * of the actors in this fatal ftragedy has 
assured the public this was not their design, 
truth compels us to acknowledge the whole jus- 
tified by the laws of honour and of war. Their 
old general had been taken prisoner, and the 
garrison had been threatened, " that unless they 
surrendered the castle, he would be brought 
and executed before its walls." Love to him 
prompted them to take Rainsborough prisoner, 
that in case any violence was offered to him, 
it might be retorted on Rainsborough, or at 
least the one be exchanged for the other. 

Such was the design, and it appears from 
the detail, that the tragical event that occured, 
arose from particular circumstances. It is ob- 
vious that if the general had made no resistance 
his life would have been spared; but as he did 
resist, the law of self-preservation compelled the 
royalists to act as they did. Had they left 
* Paulden's Letter. 



_ 



284 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

him to have collected his troops, their number 
was too small to have withstood the charge ; 
and they must either have fallen by the sword, 
or have been made prisoners. 

On their return from this expedition, they 
had the satisfaction to hear that Sir Marmaduke 
Langdale had fortunately made his escape * 
from Nottingham castle. He fled to Prince 
Charles, then in exile; and on his return with 
him at the restoration, in remembrance of and 
gratitude for his services, was made a baron of 
the realm, by the title of Baron Langdale, of 
Holm, upon Spaldingmoor, in this county. 

But a few days turned their joy into grief, 
for the loss of the courageous and heroic Capt< W, 
Paulden who died in the castle of a high fever, 
and was buried in the chapel of St. Clement. 

* Sir Marmaduke Langdale owed his escape to Lady 
Saville, wife of Sir William Saville, ofThornhill, in this county, 
the daughter of Thomas Lord Coventry, Lord Keeper of the 
Great Sea!. This lady was uncommonly attached to the royal 
cause. She relieved many of the royalists in distress. She 
was always suspected by Cromwell's party to be the author 
of many of* those plans for liberating some of the most dis- 
tinguished royalists, which so frequently proved successful. She 
conducted her designs respecting Langdale with such secrecy 
and address,, that he was liberated from prison, and got saie 
abroad, before his enemies knew that he was missing. 
This lady was as heroic as prudent. She had entered into 
Sheffield Castle, when far advanced in a state of pregnancy. 
The castle Was closely besieged, and battered with some heavy 
ordnance. The besiegers refused to permit a proper person 
to go and attend her in that situation, hoping she might be in- 
duced to favour the surrender of the castle ; but she wholly 
disregarded her own life and rejected every proposal, deter- 
mined to hold out the castle for the king. At length the 
soldiers mutinied, and obliged her to capitulate; not through 
disaffection to her, but in order to save her life. The night 
after the castle was surrendered she was safely delivered. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 285 

After this singular event, the besiegers do 
not sepm to have been more successful than 
they had hitherto been. Sir H. Cholmley sent 
letters to the house, complaining of the misma- 
nagement, and ill success of the siege. From this 
it should seem that there was either a spirit of 
insubordination among the troops, or a general 
disagreement among the officers. The vigilance, 
activity and courage of the garrison, put them 
on severe duty as well as exposed them to 
severe losses ; and it cannot excite surprise, 
that both officers and men should disrelish the 
service *. 

At length Cromwell himself arrived here, and 
adopted every measure to restrain the excursions 
of the garrison, and to reduce them to surren- 
der the fortress. The name of Cromwell, like 
that of the modern scourge of Europe, inspired 
terror, and nearly of itself gave success to his 
enterprises. Relying on this and the general 
circumstances of the country, he summoned the 
governor to surrender the castle to the use of 
the parliament f. 

The governor did not think it prudent to 
treat this summons with absolute indifference, 
but replied " That if General Cromwell was 
authorized to treat with the garrison, and was 
possessed of powers to perform the conditions, 
he was ready to enter into such treaty." As 
Cromwell had no particular powers given to 
him for this purpose by parliament, the governor 
was not satisfied; nor did he think it prudent 
to treat with Cromwell, on the authority which 
he possessed as lieutenant general. An conse- 
* Whitlock, p. 346. f Ibid - P- 348. 



286 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

quence of this the siege was prosecuted with 
greater vigour. Lines of circumvallation were 
drawn wholly around the castle, and forts erected 
in places deemed most proper to check the 
garrison, and prevent them obtaining any sup- 
plies *. 

On the I5th of November, Cromwell sent 
letters to the House, stating the necessities of 
his troops before Pontefract Castle, and requested 
immediate supplies. This letter was referred to 
the committee of the army to consider of the 
particulars, and to supply them. An order was 
given for two hundred and fifty barrels of pow- 
der, with match and bullet proportionable, to 
be sent for the forces before the castles of Pon- 
tefract and Scarborough f . An order was also 
given, on the 18th, for two great cannon to be 
sent to the same troops, in order to facilitate 
the reduction of these places. 

At this period both the king and parliament 
were placed in the most critical circumstances. 
On the departure of the army from London, 
the parliament had resumed its usual vigour, and 
unawed by the presence of the army, had acted 
with its usual spirit of independence. The lead- 
ing members had exerted themselves to bring 
about an agreement with the king; and as the 
army had now wholly subdued the Scotch, it 
seemed the interest of both parties to come to 
an immediate agreement, in order to prevent 
the dreadful catastrophe which soon followed. 
The king, in the conference at Newport, re- 
mained fixed to the Adage of his Father, No 
bishop, no king; and on the other hand the 
* Whitlock, p. 348. t Ibid p. 349. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 287 

House was equally resolved to establish the Pres- 
byterian form of church government. Thus by the 
unyielding spirit of both parties the time was 
spent and nothing concluded. 

The army, under the direction of a council 
of their officers, now began, not to petition the 
House, but by their general in chief " to demand 
justice upon the king." This language clearly 
indicates that the design of putting the king 
to death was already formed ; and the petitions of 
the army were intended only to prepare the pub- 
lic for the event. Every regiment engaged in the 
siege of our castle, presented petitions to Crom- 
well, which he forwarded to the general, 
breathing the same spirit. On the remonstrance 
of the army at St. Albans, and the seizure of 
the king by Col. Ewer, Cromwell wrote, from 
Knottingley, expressing his approbation, of what 
the officers and army had done *. 

Ihe superior number of the forces of the 
enemy to the besieged, and the vigorous manner 
in which the siege was conducted, began now 
to produce its natural consequences. Some of 
the garrison were dispirited, as they could 
not have the least foundation to hope for any re- 
lief, Others, by deserting to the enemy, equally 
betrayed the cause they had espoused, and the 
fears which influenced their conduct. The gar- 
rison however contained many whom no dan- 
gers could appal; nor any circumstances induce 
to forfeit their honour. At this period they 
made a desperate sally; but after an arduous 
contest, in which many were slain, they were 
compelled by superior numbers to retreat to 
the castle f. 

* Rvshwoth, Vol. 7. f Whitlock, p. 357. 



288 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Cromwell, who had now remained a month 
before this fortress, and who doubtless would 
have been glad to have had the honour of 
terminating: the siesre, found it necessarv to de- 
part, and join the grand army under Fair- 
fax, in order to accomplish the design which had 
been formed. Previous to his departure he had 
sent for General Lambert out of the north, and 
appointed him to the chief command of the 
forces before the castle. Lambert arrived here 
on the 4th of December *. 

Instructions had been given by Cromwell 
to Lambert to take vengeance on the garrison 
for the loss of Rainsboroughf ; and having 
brought with him what forces he thought neces- 
sary, the castle was more closely surrounded 
than ever. He raised some new works, and by 
regular approaches towards the castle, effectually 
cut off all correspondence and supplies, hoping 
the garrison would at last yield to famine, if 
nothing else could subdue them. Although the 
garrison made several bold and vigorous sallies, 
in which many lives were lost on both sides, 
these efforts were unavailing, and they were 
uniformly compelled to retreat. 

During these transactions Col. Pride had de- 

* Whitlock, p. 359. 
f There was not an officer in the army whom Cromwell 
would not more willingly have lost than this man, who was bold 
and barbarous to his wish, and lit to be entrusted in the most 
desperate interest, and was the man to whom that party had 
always intended to commit the maritime affairs, when it 
should be time to dismiss the Earl of Warwick; he having 
been bred in that element, and knowed the duty of it very 
well, though he had the misfortune before mentioned. Cla- 
rendon. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 289 

stroyed the independence of parliament, by 
guarding the House and preventing those mem- 
bers, who were inimical to the designs of the 
army, from entering. The House of Commons, 
if it now deserved that name, under the direc- 
tion of the general and the officers, resolved to 
bring the king to a public trial. Lambert, and 
the officers under him, sent a letter from Pon- 
tefract, expressing their approbation of what had 
been done, and acknowledging " that the present 
proceedings of the army was the work of God 
alone *." 

On the 30th of January, 1648—9, Charles 
I. was beheaded ; and the report of this event 
had no sooner reached Pontefract, than the gar- 
rison loyally proclaimed his son Charles II. and 
made a vigorous and destructive sally against 
their enemies. They struck silver coins expressive 
of similar sentiment sf. 

Notwithstanding the sallies of the garrison, 
and the occasional losses the besiegers sustained, 
the activity, prudence and perseverance of Lam- 
bert precluded all hope of deliverance. He now 
discovered many of the country people who held 

* Whitlock, p. 370. 
f It is a circumstance well worthy of record, and a fur- 
ther proof of the loyalty and zeal of the garrison, that the first 
monies coined in this kingdom bearing the name of King 
Charles II. were struck in this castle by Col. Morrice, the 
governor. The impression is a crown at the top, and under- 
neath it, " Hanc deus dedit, 1648," upon the field: and 
round it, Carol II. D. G. Mag B. F. Hi. R. The reverse, 
is an impression of a castle, and on the sinister side thereof 
the letters, obs, and above, on each side the central tower, 
the letters P. C. and round the whole the motto, " Post 
Mortem Patri Pro Filio." This coin is very scarce, and now 
not to be met with, except in the museums of the curious. 

P p * 



290 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

correspondence with, and gave intelligence to the 
garrison. Among these were two divines, and 
some women of rank, friends and relatives of the 
besieged. The Rev. George Beaumont*, being 
judged one of the most criminal, was seized and 
executed. He was chaplain to the garrison at 
this period, and rector of South Kirkby in this 
neighbourhood. His zeal for the royal cause 
had led him to engage in the attempt to sur- 
prise the castle. He was one of Morrice's first 
associates; and at his house was held the meet- 

* The Rev. George Beaumont was cousin to Sir Thomas 
Beaumont, of Lascelles Hall and Whitley. Sir Thomas was 
governor of Sheffield Castle till its surrender to'General Crau- 
ford on the 4th of August, 16-14. He had before been sum- 
moned to surrender by the Earl of Manchester, but refused. 
He accepted the conditions offered by General Crauford, and 
enjoyed his liberty by taking the engagement oath, to demean 
himself as became a good subject. It appears from the fol- 
lowing affidavit that he was sent for to London. 

" Eliz. Beaumont doth depose, that her husband Thomas 
Beaumont is att this time soe ill and infirm in body by 
reson of several bruises and hurts which hee hath gotten in 
the castles of Sheffield and Pomfrer, that hee is not able to 
travill to London without danger of his life; and doth further 
depose, that shee sawe him take the negative oath before the 
committee at York, and doth depose that there is yearly paid 
out of his lands, &c. &c. 

Jurata, 9th Feb, 1645, coram Eliza. B. Beaumont." 

Me Edwino Riche. 

He however engaged a second time in supporting the royal 
cause, and his estate was sequestered. His wife compounded 
for the estate, and the sum paid was seven hundred pounds. 
Being a suspected character and a notorious delinquent, he 
was kept a prisoner at York, from the 18th of January, 1655, 
till the 16th of August following. 

His cousin, the Rev. Geo. Beaumont, was equally zealous 
in the royal cause, and engaged in it so far as unhappily to 
lose his life. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 291 

ing, when the plan was laid how to effect it. 
He afterwards kept up a correspondence with 
the garrison in characters, which were discovered 
by an intercepted letter. He was seized and 
imprisoned by order of Lambert; and after be- 
ing loaded with heavy irons, he was tortured 
to discover his characters, and those who were 
concerned with him in the conspiracy. Con- 
stant and faithful to his principles he refused 
to make any discovery ; in consequence of 
which he was tried and executed before the 
walls of the castle; and to render" his punishment 
more severe, it is said, that one of his own 
relations, was compelled to assist at his execu- 
tion. He left a wife and four small children, 
with little to support them, to mourn his loss. 

The besieged, having lost many of their 
brave comrades, and many others being confined 
by sickness; their provisions almost spent, 
and having no prospect of relief, at length of- 
fered to treat for the surrender of the castle, 
on honourable terms. They however declared, 
Ki that unless the terms were such as they could 
in honour accept, they had provisions for some 
time; that they were not afraid to die; and 
if compelled, they would sell their lives at 
as dear a rate as they possibly could. " 

Lambert receiving these hints, answered by 
throwing letters over the wall, in which a stone 
was wrapped, " that he knew they were gallant 
men, and that he was desirous to preserve as 
many of them as he could, but that his hands 
were bound, and he was obliged to except six of 
them, whose lives he could not preserve, nor 
could he mention their names till after the 



292 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

treaty was signed by the governor. As to the. 
rest, he said, he was content to release them, 
that they might return to their own homes se- 
cure and unmolested, and that he would do them 
all the good in his power, by applying to par- 
liament for an easy composition for their delin- 
quency. " 

On receiving this answer, Col. Morrice called 
the officers in the castle together, and it was 
unanimously agreed, not to deliver up any per- 
son without his consent." They therefore re- 
plied to General Lambert, " that they were sen- 
sible of his kindness and civility, and would 
gladly have embraced his offer, if they could 
have done it with honour; but declared that 
they could never be guilty of so base a thing 
as to deliver up their companions." 

Whatever might be the fortitude or attach- 
ment of the besieged to each other, necessity 
soon compelled them to enter into a new treaty 
with Lambert. The garrison, which at first 
consisted of more than five hundred men, was 
now reduced, by losses sustained in different 
sallies, desertion and sickness, to one hundred * ; 
and some of these were in such a state of weak- 
ness as to be unfit for duty. Six officers on 
each side were chosen to settle the terms of 
surrender. 

Col. Bright f, the principal of Lambert's ccm- 

* Paulden's Letter, 
f The family of Bright, which settled at Badsworth, near 

this place, sprang from Thomas Bright, who married 

daughter of and had issue, Stephen and John. John was M. 

A. and vicar of Sheffield, 1636, (married Joanna, daughter of 
Mr.. Smales, of Whaley, in Derbyshire,) he had issue, Ste- 
phen who. died beyond the sea. John,; Bright, Esq. one of the 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 293 

missioners, informed them, " that he had autho- 
rity to engage, that none of those gentlemen, 
named to treat for the capitulation, were of the 

lords of the manor ot* Leeds, married Eleanor, daughter of Mr. 
Wm. Bagnall at Buryhi.ll, in Staffordshire, widow of Mr. John 
Medea! f, of Leeds, merchant, but died sans issue. Ruth, who 
married Thomas Dixon, Esq. James, third son. and Eliza- 
beth, who married Mr. Parker, of Derbyshire. 

Stephen Bright, of Carbrook, Esq. the son and heir of 
Thomas, married two wives, first Joanna or Sarah, daughter of 

Mr. George Westby, and widow of Mr. Smaies, by 

her he had issue, Sir John, and Thomas and Stephen, who 
both died young. Mary (who married William Jessop, of 
Broomhalf, Esq.) and Ruth (who married Edward Gill, of 
Carhouse, Esq ) Hi^ second wife, Barbara, was daughter of 
Mr. Ralph Hitfield, of Laughtou-en-le-Mothem, by her he had 
issue, Hannah, who died unmarried, and Martha (who mar- 
ried William Lister, of Thornton, Esq.) 

This Stephen died 6th June, 164-2, aged sixty, and was 
buried at Sheffield. His patent from Sir John Borough, Garter 
for his arms, is dated 17. Car. I. His second wife survived, 
and married Thomas Westby, of Gilthwait, Esq. 

Sir John Bright, of Badsworth, Bart, son and heir of Ste- 
phen, married tour wives, first Caiharine, daughter of Sir 
Richard Hawksworth, of Hawksworth, Knight, by her he had 
issue, three children, one son who died young, John, and Catha- 
rine (who married Sir Henry Lyddall, of Ravensworth Castle, 
Bart, and had issue, Thomas Lyddall, John, who took the sur- 
name o" Bright, Henry, George, Michael, and Elizabeth. His 
second Lady, was Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas NorclifFe, 
of Laughton, Knight, by her he had issue, Dorothy, who died 
young. His third wire, Frances, was daughter of Thomas Lyddall, 
Bart, father of the above' Sir Henry Lyddall, and widow of 
Thomas Vane, of Raby Castle, Esq. His fourth wife, was 
Susanna, daughter of Michael Wharton, of Beverley, Esq. S. P. 
Whose first lady was widow of Sir William Lister, of Thornton. 
This Sir John was created a baronet 1 6th July, 1660, 
was sheriff oi York, 1656, and 1657. He died 1 3th Sept. 1688, 
and was buried at Badsworth, where he has a fine monument. 
He was baptized at Sheffield, 14-th Oct. 16 IP. He in his last 
will left his name and estate to John, his grandson, second 
son of Sir Henry Lyddall above mentioned. He was a colonel 



294 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

number of excepted persons." Some of them 
then said, perhaps the governor was one? Col, 
Bright evaded giving a direct answer, and said, 

under Oliver Cromwell, and sheriff of York, 1650 and 1751, 
after Oliver's death he promoted the restoration. 

John Bright, Esq. of Badsworth, eldest son of Sir John, 
married Lady Lucy Montague, daughter of Edward Earl of 
Manchester, but died without issue. 

John Bright, Esq. of Badsworth, grandson and heir of 

Sir John, married < daughter of — Clutterback, of 

London, had issue, 

John Bright, Esq. of Badsworth, who married Marga- 
ret, daughter of William Norton, of Sawley Park, Esq. 

had issue his daughter and heir who married, Feb. 

1752, Charles Watson Wentworth, of Wentworth Wood- 
house, Marquis of Rockingham, a worthy young nobleman, 
by which marriage the Bright's estate, of Badsworth, went 
into the Wentworth family, and is now the property of Earl 
Fitzwilliam. 

This John died the 13th Oct. 1735, and his widow mar- 
ried, August 1748, Sir John Ramsden, of Byrome, Bart. She 
was heir to the Lowther's estate, at Ackworth Park. 

The following account of the funeral of Colonel Sir John 
Bright, from the above Thomas Dixon's common place book, 
(an Alderman of Leeds,) is curious. 

" Sir John Bright, of Badsworth, Bart, having languished 
a year and a half, of the stone, died on Thursday, the 13th 
Sep. 1688, soon after, about noon, Mr. Chambers^ of Ripon, 
took two stones out of his bladder, which weighed near four 
ounces; he was buried on Friday, the 21st, following, aged 
near seventy. He married lour wives, and yet left but one 
daughter, married to Henry Lyddal, Esq. eldest son of Sir 
Thomas Lyddal, Bishoprick, Bart., who had six children living 
at his death, the second of which, John Lyddal, he made his 
heir, but he is to change his name from John Lyddal to 
Bright; he was chief mourner at the funeral. — The twelve 
knights, baronets, and gentlemen that bare up the pall had 
mourning hatbands, shammy gloves, black scarfs and rings, 
the rest of the gentlemen had cordivant gloves, black scarfs 
and rings; and many others had scarfs and gloves, and all 
the others had gloves. The ladies and gentlemen, had rings 
and two pair of gloves, and those that had not rings had 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 29 S 

iZ that the major general did not so much look 
upon the governor as some others who had de- 
livered up the castle to them." On this they 
parted, without concluding any thing. 

Having returned to the castle, the commis- 
sioners for the garrison acquainted Morrice with 
all that had passed. Some told him that Col. 
Bright had engaged, that he should not be one 
of the excepted persons. On referring to Captain 
Thomas Paulden, who was one of the commis- 
sioners, he told him, that it was his opinion he 
would be excepted ; and repeating the expres- 
sions of Col. Bright, observed, that his opinion 
was grounded on the circumstance, that the 

gloves . There was biscuit cakes, cold meat, and wine of all 
sorts. He lay in state in a dark room, with twelve wax 
candles burning, the room hanged with black cloth and escut- 
cheons round it, and six mourners stood by the corps, and 
his arms, in mourning, was set on the outside, on the top 
of the hall. Sir John Kaye was executor, and he and his 
family was in mourning as well as his own family. Mr. 
Hunter preached for him, Matt. x. 28, the pulpit and round 
the church, and three pews, were hung in mourning; the 
minister gave him a great character, for indeed he had ma- 
naged his domestic affairs for fifty years with great prudence, 
by which he had augmented his estate. He was born to one 
thousand a year besides money, he had thirteen or fourteen 
thousand pounds by his wives. He was two years toge- 
ther high sheriff, when no liberties were allowed. He had a 
colonels pay in die army several years, was governor of Shef- 
field Castle and justice of the peace. He left a legacy of 
forty pounds to my wife, thirty pounds to my son Bright 
Dixon, and ten pounds to my daughter Ruth, which was 
paid a fortnight after the burial. If my brother Bright had 
outlived him it had certainly been much better for my wife 
and children than it was, for Sir John lo!d me that the an- 
cient estate was settled in our family, but my brother Bright 
dying before him, h ; s daughter Lyddal had that given her by 
her father's will, which should have come to my brother, and 
then to my wile and children, but God's will be done." 



296 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

colonel had not engaged that the governor should 
not be one, as he had, respecting those gentle- 
men who were employed to treat. Another of 
the commissioners replied, that Lieut. Crooke 
had assured him, that the governor was not one 
of the excepted persons. On this, Col. Morrice 
said, fC that, if he should be one of the excepted 
persons, he would take his chance-— that he 
could not endure the thought, that so many 
brave gentlemen should perish for his sake," He 
then ordered the commissioners to return, and 
conclude the treaty. 

Capt. Paulden requested that some other per- 
son might be sent in his place, as he had so- 
lemnly resolved never to consent to deliver up 
the governor. They therefore departed to meet 
Lambert's commissioners, and having speedily 
concluded and signed the articles of capitulation, 
brought back with them, the names of the six 
persons, who were excepted from mercy, which 
were Col. Morrice ; Lieut. Austwick and Cornet 
Blackburn, two of the persons concerned in the 
death of Rainsborough '; Major Ashby, Ensign 
Smith and Serjeant Floyd, the three persons who 
had been Morrice's confederates in the castle. 

Ihe troops in the garrison were sensibly af- 
fected when they heard tile names of those ex- 
cepted. They sent again the commissioners to 
Lambert, and requested that he would allow them 
six days, in which time the unfortunate victims 
might endeavour to escape, and that it might 
be lawful for the rest of the garrison to assist 
them. 

To this proposal General Lambert consent- 
ed, " provided the rest would surrender at the 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 297 

expiration of the time, and engage never again 
to advise or take up arms against the parlia- 
ment, " to which the commissioners agreed. 

On the first day after this agreement, the 
garrison appeared twice or thrice as if they were 
resolved to make a sally, but retired every time 
without charging. 

On the second day, they made a strong and 
vigorous sally in a different direction, and drove 
the enemy from their post with the loss of several 
men. Although the attempt was made at the 
time the guards were relieving, and when the 
number of men was doubled, yet such was the 
resolution with which the charge was made, that 
Col, Morrice and Cornet Blackburn, two of the 
excepted persons, pushed through the troops of 
the enemy and made their escape*. The other 

* About a fortnight after the surrender of the castle, 
Colonel Morrice and Cornet Blackburn were taken in Lan- 
cashire, as they were inquiring for a ship, with an intention 
to get abroad. They were put in safe custody, and conveyed 
to York Castle, where, at the next assizes, it was intended 
to try them. 

They made an attempt once more to obtain their liberty, 
and effect their escape from the hands of their enemies. Col. 
Morrice had succeeded, by means of a rope, in sliding down 
the castle wall, but Blackburn, in trying the same method, had 
the misfortune to fall and break his leg. The generous colonel 
would not desert his friend, but remained with him till they 
were both retaken. 

At the ensuing assizes they were tried for having levied 
war against the king. Had they been tried by martial law, 
the conduct of the government might have been justified. As 
they had been excepted from mercy, when the garrison capi- 
tulated, if tried on this ground, there would at least have 
been more appearance of justice in their condemnation and 
execution. 

On their trial, they excepted to the jury, and pleaded 
Q q * 



'29$ HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT* 

four were compelled to retreat with their friends 
to the castle. 

The garrison now remained still for two 
whole days ; but early on the night of the 4th 
day they made another attempt. In this at- 
tempt they were wholly unsuccessful. They 
were driven back to the castle, having Ensign 
Smith, another of the excepted persons, killed. 
His friends conveyed his body into the castle, 
and he was interred in the chapel of St. Clement. 

The three excepted persons who now re- 
mained, considered it in vain to make any more 
sallies in. order to escape. Several lives had 
already been lost in the attempts made; and they 
contrived a different method in order to secure 
themselves. The buildings of the castle were 
large and extensive, and owing to the sieges, 
some of these had become ruins. Among the 
ruins, they found a place, where the three ex- 
cepted persons might be concealed, and from 
whence they might easily make their escape. 
Accordingly their friends walled up the place 
after they had entered, leaving them apertures 
sufficient for the admission of air, and furnishing 
them with provisions for a month, in which time, 
it was not doubted, but they would be able to 
make their escape. 

The next morning (24th March, 1648 — 9) 

the statute of Henry VII. which indemnifies every man, who 
takes up arms in defence of the king. Their exceptions 
against the jury were not admitted, nor did Judge Puleston 
admit their construction ot the above mentioned act. After 
a tedious trial, they were both found guilty, and sentence of 
death was passed on them. On the 23d of August, 1649, they 
were executed at Tyburn, near York, asserting their loyalty, 
and dying with hope, constancy and resignation. See Slate Trials. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 299 

the garrison pretended to rejoice, and sent the 
governor word, that as their six friends had made 
their escape, they would surrender the next day. 
At the hour appointed, the garrison marched out 
of the castle. Lambert narrowly inspected each 
individual, not believing that any of the six 
excepted persons had escaped; but being 
satisfied, that thev were not anions: those who 
now surrendered, he treated them with great 
civility, and punctually performed all his pro- 
mises; nor did he seem displeased " that the 
brave soldiers had happily escapecl. ,, Lambert 
did not pay any attention to the castle, so that 
the three excepted persons, the night after threw 
down their inclosure, and securely decamped *. 

Letters were sent by Lambert to the house, 
informing them of this event; and also from 
General Lord Fairfax, containing the articles of 
capitulation. There was found in the castle pro- 
visions for two months, and forty barrels of pow- 
der. The committee at York, also sent letters 
to the house, desiring that they would order 
the castle of Pontefract, and some others in the 
county, to be demolished. 

On the receipt of these letters, the house 
immediately ordered and resolved, cc That JS3Q0. 
per ann. out of the demesnes of Pornfret, be 
settled on Major General Lambert and his heirs 
for ever, in respect of his many great and emi- 
nent services performed, with much care, courage 
and fidelity, by the said Major General in the 
northern parts, as well against the Scots' army 
the last summer, as against the forces of Sir 
Marmaduke Langdale and others, and in redu- 

* Austwick and Floyd, lived till after the restoration. 



300 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

cing the castle of Pontefract, being the last gar- 
rison in England, that held out against the par- 
liament; and in respect of his extraordinary 
charge therein, he not having been allowed any 
pay as Major General. Ordered that this vote 
be sent with a letter of thanks and respect, from 
the house, and that Mr Chaloner prepare it." 
It was also ordered, that the castle should 
be dismantled and rendered wholly untenable for 
the future. In compliance with this order, 
Lambert soon rendered this stately and princely 
fortress, which had long been considered the 
honour of Pontefract, a heap of ruins. The build- 
ings were unroofed, and all the valuable mate- 
rials sold. 

A true account of the value of all the materials, 

belonging the Castle of Pontefract, sold: And 

of the money received and debts owing, also 

the charge of demolishing the same, the 5th of 

April, 1649*. 

£. S. D. 

IMPRIMIS, an agreement made" 
with John Harrison, for demo- 
lishing the Round Tower, for which 
paid him 

An agreement made the same" 
time with Thomas Lake and others, 
for the pulling down the Barbacan 
Wall, for which paid 

Paid Thomas Thurstan for level-' 
ling the Earthen Mount, called 
Nevili's Mount, and the Barbacan }- 10 
Wall, from the Great-stable to the 
Low Drawbridge, 

* Gent published the following account, from papers in 
the possession of the Fairfaxes, of Denton. 



80 10 



20 5 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 301 

«£. S. D. 

Paid Jasper Ellis, by an order "^ 
from the committee of the 27th of | 
April, for monies laid out about \ , 
removing ihe ammunition from 
Pontefract Castle to York, and for • 

carrying it up in Clifford Tower, J 

.£114 19 

Lancelot Lamb and others, for' 
taking down the timber from the 
Round-Tower, Queens-Tower and y 35 
Kings-Tower, and other buildings 
about the same, 

Paid John Harrison and others, "\ 
for demolishing the two skreens/ 
from the Gate-house to the Round V 34 
Tower, and thence to the Treasurer I 
Tower, j 

Paid Thomas Tayler and others, 
for the timber taking down from the 
Chapel, Constable Tower, and all )- 35 2 6 
the rest of the buildings to the 
Gate House, 

Paid Tatersall and others, for' 
taking down the timber from off^ 2 
the two Gate Houses, 

Paid Tattersall, John Smith and 
others, for taking down the timber 
of the Treasurer's Tower, Gascoygne)- 34 5 
Tower, the Great Kitchen, and so 
to the Great Hall, 

Paid them more for the Great ^ 
Hall timber, and the Gate House > 12 5 

taking down, ) 

£ i 5% 1 2 6 

Paid Simon Procter, for demo-' 
lishing the King and Queen's Tower * 
and ail the buildings betwixt the > 
same, the sum of 



302 



HISTORY OF PONTEFHACT, 



Paid Thomas Lake and other s,"\ 
for demolishing the two Out Gate f 
Houses and the Skreen, by thef 
Constable Tower, ) 

Paid Edward Wilson, for de-1 
molishing the Constable Tower, and 
all the other buildings from the 
King's Tower to the Gate House, 
as also the Treasurer Tower, Gas- 
coign e Tower, the Great Kitchen, 
and all the other buildings from the 
Skreen unto the Great Hall, the 
sum of 

Paid Edward Handson, for pul-*\ 
ling down the Skreen between the f 
upper Gate House, and the Round t 
Tower; also for the Guard House, J 

Paid James Jolly, for pulling oft 
the iron from off the three Gates 
two Drawbridges, and the timber 
the low Drawbridges taking up 

Paid for filling up the Graff at 
the low Drawbridge, and pulling 
down part of the Skreen close by the 
Constable Tower. 



S. D. 



15 6 8 



V 201 



use, J 
goftS 
;, thef 
er oft 

! 



1 10 



2 16 



1 7 4 



£3°26 5 6 



Paid three labourers for remov- 
ing timber out of the fall of a Tower, 

Paid for taking down the timber") 
from Swillington Tower, j 

Paid John Oxley and Tho. Lee, ) 
for melting of lead into pigs, | 

Paid for filling up the Graff at 
the upper Drawbridge, and the 
Chapel Walls pulling down, 

Paid Simon Procter, for felling ) 
down Swillington Tower, ) 



1 






3 

1 13 4 
4 10 

4 10 

8 10 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



;o3 



Paid Simon Procter more, in re--x 
gard we did conceive that he had af 
losing bargain upon former workf 
done by him, -* 

Monies expended upon severaP 
messengers sending abroad into se- 
veral parts of the country, to seek 
out experienced workmen, for the 
speedy demolishing of the castle: 
and also for monies expended at 
several contracts making: as also 
monies given to workmen for their 
encouragement at the falls of se- 
veral towers, with other incident 
charges, 



S. D. 



4 



► SO 



Paid for baring of timber from) 
under the fall of Constable Tower, ) 

Paid for two paper books, and 
to the justice's clerks for drawing 
the orders betwixt the committee 
and the trustees, 

Given to a maimed workman 
that was to return to his own home 
at Malton, towards his charges, 

Given to Lancelot Lamb, for 
his care and good services in the 
work, 

Paid seven soldiers, by order 
from Captain Ward, for work clone 
by them, 

Paid for 5 stone and 5 lb. of iron, 
for making crows for pulling off 
lead, 

Paid Francis Bradley, for crows) 
making and shovels shoeing, J» 



} 
} 
} 



«£42 17 4 

2 14 

10 

5 

10 

7 

14 S 

4 4 



304 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



Paid several labourers for work'l 
done, as appears by a note in Mr. > 
Long's hands, J 

Paid John Smith, for work done | 
by him, j 

Paid six carpenters for loading 
timber that was secured from burn- 
ing by the soldiers, and surveying 
the rest of the timber, 



£. S. D. 



3 11 5 



2 10 







Paid George Rennard, for tak-) 
ing crooks out of the walls, f 

Paid Lake and Hanson for de- 
molishing the Great Hall, and the 
Inner Gate House, 

Paid John Oxley and his three 
men for several days work, for tak- 
ing the lead of the castle down, 

Paid for lime and workmanship, 
for the two drawbridges walling up 
of either side, 

Paid Richard Lyle, for the loan 
of his beam and weights for weigh- 
ing of lead, 

Paid for cools to several guards) 
to secure the timber from burning, j 

Paid several draughts for leading 
timber out of the castle garth, to 
secure it from the soldiers, 

Paid labourers for several bul- 
warks pulling down, about and near 
the castle, 

Paid two counsellors their fees^ 
for advice how to proceed in suit, 
and in whose names, for materials 
sold and not paid for, 



£16 6 1 



} 
} 

$ 

! 
} 



lo 



37 6 8 



1 lo o 



o 18 



2 8 



\2 o 



£$o 4 8 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 305 

Paid by Mr. Robert Moore, to several workmen 
and labourers, as appears by his note of par- 
ticulars, as followeth : 

£. S. D. 

For the first week, - 1 3 10 

For the second week, "- 5 15 6 

For the third week, - 6 19 9 

For the fourth week, -- - - 14146 

For the fifth week, - - - - 9 l6 10 

For the sixth week, - - - - 6 2 

For the seventh week, - - - - 4174 

For the eighth week, - - - - 17160 

For the ninth week, - 4 2 

For the tenth week, - - - - 3 15 4 

£W \9 5 

Lead taken off Pontefract Castle, and sold as 
followeth : 



Sold to the church-wardens of 
Barnsley, 20 cwt. at 



£. S. D. 
10 2 6 



10 2 6 



} 

Sold unto Mr. Richard Wilcock,) 
20 cwt. at j 

Sold unto Mr. Samuel Childe, oH 
Leeds, forty fother of Lead, at 1 1 /. > 4o0 
5s. comes to ) 

Sold him more, 9 fother 12 cwt.) ,~„ , Q q 
241b. at the same price, comes to J 

He rests indebted for M'ood, for) 9 in o 
smelting of lead, j 

Sold unto Mr. Winter, of Hull,) ,* n x 
4 fother of lead, at j 4 ° 

Sold unto Mr. John Skurr, one) 
web of lead, 21 stone, l21b. at ] 

Sold unto Mr. Edw. Rhodes, 84) 
fother of lead, 1 4 cwt. 2 qrs. 5 lb. at ] 



1 10 
940 



£ 1567 4 9 
r r * 



} 



306 HISTORY O? PONTEFRACT. 

Sold unto Grace Briggs, three) 
webs of lead, &c. 9 cwt. 13 lb. at ) 

Sold unto Sir Tho. Wentworth,) 
one fother of lead, I 

Sold unto Lieut. Ward, 11 stone) 
5 lb. at j 

Sold unto Bryan Fosteard, 30 
stone of lead, 

Sold unto Lord Savile, 20 cwt. ) 
of lead, at ) 

Sold unto Mr. John Savile, of) 
Methley, 3 fother i31b. J 

Sold unto a porter, 18 stone 1 
3 lb. at J 

Sold unto Francis Bradley, Sil 
stone of lead, at is. 6d. &c. J 

Sold unto Mr, Robert Moor,1 
11 cwt. 1 qr. l71b. at lis. 5d. &c. J 

Sold unto Mr. John Clayton,! 
18 stone 4 lb. at J 

Sold unto Edw. Field, 43 stone 1 
10 lb. at J 



£. 


Si 


D. 


5 








11 


5 








17 





2 


5 





10 


2 


6 


33 


16 





l 


7 


10 


l 


li 


6 


5 


15 


6 


1 


7 





2 


15 


lo 



<£76 3 2 



The total of all the lead sold,! 
amounts to the sum of ^1640: 16: 11. > l54o 7 2 
whereof received in money, J 

Monies owing for lead, to balance the accounts 
above written, as follows : 

Sir Edward Rhodes, debtor fori . 
lead, J 

Mr. Samuel Childe, of Leeds, 1 57 
rests indebted for lead, J 

Further, Mr. Childe rests in-i 
debted for wood, for smelting his K 2 10 o 
lead, J 

06*100 1) 9 



HISTORY OF PO^TEFRACT. 307 

£. S. D. 

The total of all the iron belongA 
ing to the castle, is 79 cwt. 3 qrs. f 
27 lb. sold at 10s. per cwt. amounts V 37 2 4 
to the sum of 40/. whereof received l 
in money, ) 

Monies owing for iron to ba-^ 
lance the account as abovesaid. 
Col. Overton, by an order from the 
Lord General, for the public service \ 2 17 8 
for the drawbridges for Hull, had 
iron teams delivered him to the va- 
lue of in money. 

May the 7th, 1649. Money received for timber 

as follows : 
Col. Thomas Rookeby, 
Mr. Birkebecke, - 
William Nicholson, 
William Jennings, 
Mr. Leonard Ward, 
.Robert Howson, - 
Thomas Thwaytes, 
Richard Smith, - 
William Farrowe, 
Grace Brigge, - 
Philip Austwicke, 
William Hill, 
Thomas Tayler, 
Edward Fielde, - 
.Richard Lyle, - 
Robert Sutton, - 
William Brame, 
Francis Bradley, 
Zechariah Stable, 



7 








1 


3 





2 


1 





1 


6 


8 


23 








1 








1 


4 








Q 


6 


5 








8 








1 


2 








18 





4 


10 





22 


8 





2 


11 





3 


10 





12 








1 


10 





4 


6 


8 



<£102 12 10 



308 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



John Potter, - - * 

Thomas Jackson and Robert Farrowe, 

William Wright, 

Thomas Jackson, - - 

Charles Tootle, - - 

John Killingbecke, - 

Richard Turner, - 

Thomas Boswell, - - - 

Peter C nth wait, - 

John Watt son, - 

Francis Lee, - - - . - 

Robert Bawlderton, - 

William Ward, - 

Mary Rothwell, 

Thomas Fielde, - 

For timber for the church, 

Timber for the windmill, 

Mr. John Skurr, 

John Wildman, 

For the remainder of the timber! 
in Brame Garth, J 



X 


S. 


D. 


10 








6 


15 





4 


6 


8 


i 











10 





10 











18 





2 











13 





9 


10 





2 , 


12 





5 








12 











9 








13 


4 


20 








2 








3 








2 


8 





5 








£9S 


15 






Monies received for glass, - - i o o 
Debts owing for timber, as follows: 



William Farrowe, 

Col. Overton, by an order from 
the Lord General, for the publi 
service of Hull for timber, 

George Wrigley by assignment! 
from John Potter, J 

Thomas Farrowe, 



iicf 



l 3 4 
8 6 o 

300 
300 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Thomas Farrowe and Thomas 1 
Jackson jointly together, J 

Thomas Jackson, - 

Richard Cattle, - 
John Hodgshon, - 

John Box, - 
Thomas Eaden, - 
Thomas Boswell, 

John Ambler, - - - 

Mr. John Lambe, 
Bryan Fosteard, - 
Richard Fosteard, - • j 



Monies received for lead, 
Monies received for timber, 
Monies received for iron, ■ 
Monies received for glass, 



The charge for demolishing, 
Monies allotted unto the town, - 
The rest due to the common wealth, 





309 


A 


S. D. 


3 


5 o 


4 


l 6 


l 


17 


2 


■8 8 


2 


10 o 


l 


10 


2 





3 


6 8 


2 


16 


1 


10 


1 


10 



£^ 


4 2 


£. 


S. D. 


1540 


7 2 


201 


7 10 


37 


2 4 


1 





£1119 


17 4 


£. 


S. D. 


in 


4 6 


100O 





2 


12 10 


£\119 


17 4 



Debts owing for materials, which are due unto the 
common wealth: 



For lead, - 
For timber, 
For iron, - 



£. 


S. 


D. 


100 


9 


9 


42 


4 


2 


o 


17 


8 


<£l45 


11 


7 



310 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The preceding account of the expences of 
its demolition, and the monies raised by the 
sale of the materials, will furnish the best idea 
of the strength, and grandeur of this fortress. 

Thus fell the castle of Pontefract, which, 
had successively been the strong hold of the 
brave and warlike Saxons ; the residence of a 
proud and imperious Norman conqueror ; the 
turretted seat of the high aspiring Dukes of 
Lancaster; the palace of princes and of kings; 
at some periods, a nest of treachery and re- 
bellion, and at others the last hope of van- 
quished royalty. Here the Lacies, attended by 
their knights, esquires and vassals, lived in 
splendor and dignity, scarcely inferior to the 
king upon the throne; and enjoyed the abso- 
lute property of all the land included within 
the honour of Pontefract; an extent of territory 
equal to many of our modern counties. Of 
the Lacies, every person within the honour held 
his land, subject to such conditions as they 
were pleased to grant. They enjoyed the same 
rights, and exercised as absolute an authority 
within their demesne, as the king did within his ; 
and they claimed the same obedience, subjection 
and privileges. When this castle and its de- 
pendent territory passed into the house of Lan- 
caster, impelled by ambition, or urged by the 
more generous motive of redressing the grie- 
vances of an oppressed country, the dukes often 
called forth their vassals, put on their armour, 
unsheathed the sword, and bid defiance to kings. 
In these unhappy times what lives were destroyed, 
-and doubtless the appartments of this castle, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 3li 

have often been stained with the blood of many 
an innocent victim. When the wars of the 
barons, and the contests of the houses of York 
and Lancaster were happily terminated, then 
commenced religious animosities; which led to 
the destructive civil war, in which the castle of 
Pontefract holds a distinguished place. Before 
its massy walls three or four thousand men must 
have fallen. It is now in ruins, a memento of 
fallen grandeur ; and may it ever remain as a 
mere ornament of antiquity. 

The lover of antiquity may lament when he 
views such stupendous works nearly levelled to the 
ground, but the friend of rational freedom will re* 
joice when he reflects on the design for which such 
fortresses were erected, and on the many calami- 
ties to which they have given occasion. It is pro- 
per for a nation to have its frontiers guarded, and 
to have fortresses to resist the attempts of an 
hostile and ambitious neighbour. But when such 
fortresses are erected in the interior of a king- 
dom, it must be with the design to deprive a 
people of their liberties, or to keep in subjec- 
tion and slavery a people already vanquished. 
Hence castles in the bosom of a country clearly 
indicate, either that the people are about to 
lose, or have already lost their freedom. 

These places have sometimes become equally 
dangerous to the government as to the people. 
The disaffected have availed themselves of their 
strength to raise the standard of rebellion, dis- 
turb the public tranquillity, and plunge a na- 
tion into confusion and war. Sometimes an in- 
vading enemy, by the treachery of their go- 
vernors, has been admitted into them, or by a 



312 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

sudden attack has surprised arid gained possession^ 
and thereby been enabled more effectually to 
resist the most vigorous efforts of a nation. 
Secured by the strength of such a bulwark, 
an enemy which would soon have been subdued 
in the field, has- repelled repeated attacks, and at 
last only yielded to famine. We may therefore 
consider it as one good resulting from the civil 
war, that the many castles and fortresses in the 
interior of this country, the remains of the Nor- 
man conquest and feudal oppressions, were re- 
duced, dismantled and destroyed. 

A nation, in the possession of equal rights 
and liberties, governed by law, not by force; 
in which the poor man's ewe lamb is equally- 
protected and secure, with the rich man's wealth; 
where the same punishments attach to the same 
crimes, whatever be the rank of those who 
commit them; and where justice is equally and 
impartially administered; in such a nation there 
is no need of castles to keep the people in 
obedience. Obedience to the law becomes the 
interest of all orders; and •« when it is the gene- 
ral interest, it cannot fail to be the general 
practice. Such is the happy state of English- 
men ; and such may it for ever be, is the prayer 
of one, who considers the era since the revo- 
lution and the accession of the house of Bruns- 
wick, as the most glorious and distinguished 
period of freedom and prosperity recorded in 
the annals of Britain, or in those of any other 
nation. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 313 

The following poems, the one written by 
Dr. Drake, in his younger years; the other by 
the celebrated Dr. Langhorn, on the various 
events which have been detailed in the forego- 
ing pages, are deemed too interesting to be 
omitted. 

OX POMFRET CASTLE. 

O Pomfret! Pomfret ! O thou bloody prison ! 
Fatal and ominous to noble Peers. 
Within the guilty closure of thy walls, 
Richard the Second here was hack'd to death; 
And for more slander to thy dismal seat 
We give to thee our guiltless blood to dri?ik. 

Shakespere's Rich. III. 

" Look round this vast, and venerable place, 
Whose ruin'd pile still shines with awful grace, 

Yet nobly great, 'midst all its faded charms : 
See the wide waste of all-consuming age, 
The wreck of ruthless wars, and hostile rage, 

And all the dire effects of more than civil wars/' 

" View savage time with cankering tooth devour 
The solid fabric of yon mouldering tow'r, 

Which now in undistinguished chaos lies ; 
Where erst the noble Lacey's Norman line 
Plann'd the w r ide w-ork, and form'd the vast design, 

And bid with gothic grace, the stately structure rise." 

" When lo ! on high the vaulted domes suspend, 
On lofty columns the wide arches bend, 

And massive walls the vast domain inclose; 
In vain the hostile warriors nervous art 
With missive fire directs the barbed dart, 

Or with enormous strength the ponderous jav'lin throws." 

" For many an age the Lacey's noble race, =• 
With arms, and arts, adorn'd the splendid place, 

As heroes triumph'd, or as patriots shone; 
Till with the great Plantagenet's fair bride, 
In nuptial dower these ancient honors glide, 

The seat of future kings that grae'd the British throne." 

s s 



314' HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

" On yonder hill, as early annals tell 
The holy hero, and the martyr fell, 

Which still great Lancaster thy mem'ry bears. 
There 'midst the saints enroll'd with rites divine, 
The pious pilgrim sought the sacred shrine, 

And bath'd thy hallow'd tomb, with sympathizing tears. 
" With holy zeal, and blameless morals arm'd, 
With all the pow'r of conscious virtue warm'd, 

'Midst deaths sad scenes, the pious patriot smiles; 
By thee proud Mortimer the hoary sage 
Bleeds the sad victim ot thy brutal rage 

Lost by thy lawless love, and all a woman's wiles." 
" Look there, where erst, yon mould'ring turret stood, 
Whose moss grown stones are ting'd with royal blood; 

'Midst civil broils the hapless Richard bled, 
There cruel Exton's vile assassin dart, 
With bloody treason pierc'd the monarch's heart, 

And flx'd thetott'ring crown on haughty Henry's head.' 
" Here vaunting Bolingbroke, thy feeble foe, 
Felt in each whispering breeze the fatal blow, 

Or heard death's herald in each guilty stone — 
Short is the date of captive monarch's doom 
J Twixt the dark prison, and the yawning tomb 

For bold ambition bears no rival to the throne." 
" See yonder tow'r still blush with crimson stains 
That flow'd in plenteous store from noble veins, 

Where Vaughan, and Grey, by Gloster's arts expir'd ; 
Where Rivers fell, who with his latest breath 
These mournful mansions dignified in death, 

With love of letters warm'd, and dawning science fired.' 
" 'Midst the wide flames, that civil discord spread, 
When by base arts the royal martyr bled, 

Still loyal Pomfret spurn'd the tyrants hate, 
Last in these northern climes that scorn'd to pay 
A servile homage to his lawless sway, 

And in inglorious ease survive the monarch's fate." 
" Long haughty Lambert did thy vet'ran povv'rs 
With iron tempest shake these solid towVs, 

And round the walls the missive murder send; 
In vain brave Morrice did thy martial train 
With loyal arms the hostile shocks sustain, 
And 'gainst rebellious sons these loyal domes defend." 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 313 

m Hark ! the loud engines tear the trembling walls 
And from its base the massive fabric falls, 

And all at once these ancient honors fade, 
These lofty towers, and all these royal spoils 
Sink into silence, 'midst intestine broils 

In prostrate ruins lost, and dark oblivion laid." 

Francis Drake, S. T. P. 
Lecturer of Pom fret, 1750. 



WRITTEN AMOiVC THE RUINS OF 

PONTEFRACT CASTLE, 

BY DR. LANGHORN, 
1756. 

Right sung the bard, that all-involving age, 
With hand impartial deals the ruthless blow ; 

That war, wide-wasting, with impetuous rage, 
Lays the tall spire, and sky crown 'd turret low, 

A pile stupendous, once of fair renown, 

This mould'ring mass of shapeless ruin rose, 
Where nodding heights of fractured columns frown, 

And birds obscene in ivy-bow'rs repose: 
Oft the pale matron from the threat'ning wall, 

Suspicious, bids her heedless children fly ; 
Oft, as he views the meditated fall, 

Full swiftly steps the frighted peasant by. 

But more respectful views th' historic sage, 

Musing, these awful relics of decay, 
That once a refuge formed from hostile rage, 

In Henry's and in Edward's dubious day. 
He pensive oft reviews the mighty dead, 

That erst have trod this desolated ground; 
Reflects how here unhappy Sal'sbury bled, 

When faction aim'd the death-dispensing wound. 
Rest, gentle Rivers ! and ill-fated Gray ! 

A flow'r or tear oft strews your humble grave, 
Whom Envy slew, to pave Ambition's way, 

And whom a monarch wept in vain to save. 
Ah ! what avail'd th' alliance of a throne ? 

The pomp of titles what, or pow'r rever'd } 
Happier ! to these the humble life unknown, 

With virtue honour'd, and by peace endear'd. 



316 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Had thus the sons of bleeding Britain thought, 

When hapless here inglorious Richard lay, 
Yet many a prince, whose blood full dearfy bought 

The shameful triumph of the long-sought day ; 

Yet many a hero, whose defeated hand 

In death resign'd the well -contested field, 
Had in his orT?piing sav'd a sinking land, 

The Tyrant's terror, and the Nation's shield, 

111 could the muse indignant grief forbear, 

Should Mem'ry trace her bleeding Country's woes ; 

111 could she count, without a bursting tear, 
Th' inglorious triumphs of the vary'd Rose ! 

While York, with conquest and revenge elate, 

Insulting, triumphs on St. Alban's plain, 
Who views, nor pities Henry's hapless fate, 

Himself a capuve, and his leaders slain ? 

Ah prince 1 unequal to the toils of war, 
To stem ambition, Faction's rage to quell ; 

Happier 1 from these had Fortune plac'd thee far, 
In some lone convent, or some peaceful cell. 

For what avail'd that thy victorious queen 

Repair'd the ruins of that dreadful day ? 
That vanquish'd York, on Wakefield's purple green, 

Prostrate amidst the common slaughter lay ? 

In vain fair Vict'ry beam'd the gladd'ni»g eye, 
And, waving oft her golden pinions, smil'd ; 

Full soon the flatt'ring goddess meant to fly, 
Full rightly deem'd unsteady Fortune's child. 

ilet Towton's field — But cease the dismal tale : 
For much its horrors would the Muse appal, 

In softer strains suffice it to bewail 
The Patriot's exile, or the Hero's fall. 

Thus silver Wharf*, whose crystal sparkling urn 
Reflects the brilliance of his blooming shore, 

Still, melancholy-mazing, seems to mourn, 
But rolls, confus'd, a crimson wave no more. 

* Dr. Langhorn is evidently incorrect, in referring to the Wharf. The 
battle was fought at too great a distance from that river, lor it to be tinged 
with the blood of the slain, It was a small river called the Cock, which 
was near the scene of action. 






HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 317 

EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE OF THE 

Ground Plan of the Siege, 

CASTLE, 8cc. 

1 Round Tower. 

2 Red Tower. 

3 Treasurer's or Pix Tower. 

4 Swillinsrton Tower. 

5 Queen's Tower. 

6 King's Tower. 

7 Constable's Tower. 

8 East Gate House. 

9 South Gate. 

10 Main Guard. 

11 Barbican. 

12 Ail Saints' Church. 

13 St Nicholas' Hospital. 

BESIEGERS WORKS. 

14 Major General Lambert's Fort Royal, 

15 Horse Guard. 

16 Horn Work, 

17 Pinfold Guard. 

18 Main Guard. 

19 School House Guard. 

20 Fairfax's Royal Horn Work. 

21 North Horn Work. 

22 Colonel Bright's Fort. 

23 Lieutenant General Cromwell's Fort. 

24 Colonel Dean's Fort. 

25 Tanalian Guard. 

26 East Guard. 

27 Baghill Guard, 



PART II. 

CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT 

OF THE 

PRIORY, 

RELIGIOUS-HOUSES, 
CHURCHES, HOSPITALS, CHARITIES, &c. 



THE PRIORY OF ST. JOHN. 

IN taking a survey of the most remarkable 
places which are, or have been, within this 
borough, the priory of St. John, deserves our 
first attention. Although nothing remains to 
give a complete idea of the extent or beauty 
of this structure, we may justly conclude from 
the liberality of its founder, the donations con- 
ferred upon it, and its general reputation, that 
it was a place of considerable extent and im- 
portance. The plot of ground, now called 
Monkhill, and which continues extra-parochial, 
clearly ascertains the grange and the homestead 
of the priory. If it did not equal the abbies, 
in the Gothic magnificence of its church, and 
in the number and grandeur of its separate 
apartments and offices, there can be little doubt 
but it was built on a similar plan. The fol- 



320 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

lowing description of such houses may lead the 
reader to form a tolerably correct idea of what 
this priory once was, 

The first appendage of these houses was the 
clausum or close, varying in dimensions, accord- 
ing to the dignity of the house, surrounded by 
a- high wall, entered by one or two magnifi- 
cent gateways; and that such a wall once sur- 
rounded the ground above mentioned, called 
Monkhill, there can be no doubt. Beyond the 
inclosure the monks were not permitted to walk 
or ride, but on the necessary business of the 
house. 

Within the close were included all the ap- 
pendages of a large domain, occupied by the 
owners, as a grange, or farm house, barns, 
stables, mill, &c. The reason of this is obvious, 
and was for the protection of their property. . 

Next was the house itself, situated generally 
in the lowest and warmest part of the inclosure, 
consisting usually of a large quadrangular court, 
into which the various offices and apartments 
opened; and to all these a warm and sheltered 
access in every season was provided, by means 
of a penthouse cloister surrounding the whole. 

The north side ot this quadrangle was formed 
by the nave of the church, and was intended 
by its height and bulk to afford shelter from 
the north, as well as to admit sunshine into 
the cells of the monks. 

Attached to the end of the south transept, 
and with it forming in part the east side of the 
quadrangle, was > the vestry, and in the large 
monasteries, the chapter house. The chapter 
house was often highly ornamented, and consi- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 321 

dered as a part of the church. Here all elec- 
tions were made, — hence commenced all proces- 
sions after elections, and here all arts of disci- 
pline were performed. 

Opposite to the church, and forming the 
south bide of the quadrangle, were universally 
placed, the refectory, or dining room, locutorium, 
or parlour, kitchen, butteries, sculleries, &c. 

The western side consisted generally of the 
dormitory, or bed rooms, on the higher story, 
often supported by a line of columns beneath, 
which branching out into groined arches formed 
a magnificent and gloomy walk. 

This part was immediately connected with 
the south-west corner of the church, in order 
that the monks might pass to their late or 
early devotions with the least possible exposure 
to the external air *. 

Whether this description will altogether apply 
to this priory it is impossible to determine. On 
examining the site, in the field called the 
Grange, the rising ground points out the south 
side of the quadrangle, and the level area from 
thence north clearly indicates that the church 
and different apartments were extensive. 

The priory was founded by Robert de Lacy, 
usually called Robert de Pontefract, in the year 
1090, during the reign of William II. for the 
health of the soul of King William the Con- 
queror, and also for the souls of Ilbert his 
father, Hawise his mother, and of all his an- 
cestors and posterity. 

The abby of Clugny, in France, enjoyed at 

* Whitaker's Whalley, and Burton's Abby of Fountaines. 
T t * 



j22 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

that period an unrivalled fame, for the regularity 
of the house, and the sanctity of its discipline; 
The monks were of the order of St. Benedict; 
but as this order, by the influx of wealth, had 
considerably relaxed its severity, and conformed 
too much to the spirit of the world, the rule 
had been amended and the order reformed by 
St. Berno, and other abbots of CJugny. 

The rule of this order was principally founded 
on silence, solitude, prayer, humility and obedi- 
ence. The monks were enjoined a total absti- 
nence from all kinds of flesh-meat. A pound and 
a half of bread was allowed to each, per day; 
and wine was wholly prohibited. Seven hours 
a day were allotted the monks for manual labour, 
and two for pious reading, besides meditation 
from matins till break of day. As the wealth 
of particular houses increased, manual labour 
was exchanged for sacred studies*. 

The habit of these monks was a black loose 
coat, or a gown of stuff reaching down to their 
heels, with a cowl or hood of the same, and a 
scapulary. Under the long black gown they 
wore another equally as large, made of flannel, 
with boots on their legs. From the colour of 
their outward garment they were generally called 
black monks f. 

The prior and monks were brought here 
from the abby La Charite sur Loire ; and the 
priory generally contained more French than 
English. This convent could not choose the 
prior, receive the profession of their novices, 
nor settle any differences which arose among 

* Tanner's Not. f Butler's Life of St. Benedict, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 323 

themselves; but were obliged to go beyond sea, 
to the abby from which they came, on all such 
affairs; and a considerable part of their revenue 
was claimed and sent to their superiors*. In 
the reign of Edward III. this priory, and all 
others of the same order, were discharged from 
all manner of subjection and obedience to any 
foreign abbyf. 

In erecting the priory, the monks had to 
contend with various difficulties. Their friend 
and patron, .Robert de Lacy, incurred the dis- 
pleasure of Henry I. and was deprived of all 
his possessions, and banished the realm. Al- 
though Hugh Delaval, his successor, renewed 
the charter granted by Robert, and gave seve- 
ral churches to the convent, it may be questioned 
whether he assisted them in that effectual man- 
ner, which might have been expected from their 
patron and founder. Little was done after the re- 
storation of Robert de Lacy to the patrimony of 
his father, till the time of Henry, his second son. 
From the period when the first charter was 
granted, 1090, to the time when the church be- 
longing the priory was finished, and solemnly 
dedicated by Archbishop Rogers, 1159, had 
elapsed sixty nine years. Considering the pro r 
perty conferred on this house, and the facilities 
the monks generally enjoyed to accomplish their 
designs; and from their industry and perseverance, 
we may form some conjecture of the ancient 
grandeur of this priory. 

* The house of Clugny had a pension out of every house 
of that order in England, called apportus ; and Cotton Smith 
says, that the abbot of Clugny received not less than two thou- 
sand pounds annually. 

f Reyner's App. p. 192. 



324 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

It is impossible to give any account of the 
number of which this convent consisted \ of the 
domestic servants, the internal economy of the 
house, &c. as no compotus has been preserved. 
From comparing its revenues with those of 
other houses, a full detail of whose expences 
has been given, it may be conjectured, that 
it contained an establishment of more than 
two hundred persons *. 

One part of the annual expences of these 
houses consisted in presents made to the great, 
whose favour they wished to conciliate. What- 
ever was delicious to the taste or fashion- 
able in dress, they purchased for this purpose. 
Another part consisted in their hospitality and 
charity. As such houses were furnished with 
provisions of all kinds from the produce of their 
lands, herds and flocks, it was as usual then for 
gentlemen and travellers to go to such houses 
as it is now for them to go to an inn. Here 
also the poor, the sick, the aged and infirm 
resorted, and their wants were regularly sup- 
plied. 

Adam Fitz Swain, who was a considerable 
benefactor to the - priory, founded Lund, or 
Monk-Bretton, dedicated to Mary Magdalene, 
as a dependent cell to it; and endowed it 
with all his lands there, the mills of Derne and 
Lund, and whatever he possessed between 
Derne and Meresbruck, (now Masbroughj ; in 
Brampton, the churches of Newhall (now New- 
hill), Raynberg and Lyntwayte. Also he gave 
the chapel of St. Andrew, near Culcoit, (in 

* Whitaker, on Bolton Priory. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 325 

Cumberland) ; and appointed Adam, Prior of 
Pontefract, to be Custos thereof, after whose 
decease, the prior and monks of Pontefract were 
to appoint other fit ''persons to the government, 
who should pay yearly one mark of silver to 
the said priory, for an acknowledgment of its 
subjection. 

By the liberality of several individuals the 
revenues of this cell were increased; and the 
brethren soon be^an to find the voke of sub- 
jection galling, and to aspire after complete in- 
dependence. On the demise of their superior, a 
dispute arose between them and the convent of 
Pontefract. Whether the convent of Pontefract 
appointed a person to be their governor, 
whom they disapproved of; or whether they 
chose another in opposition, does not appear. 
The brethren of Bretton sent some of their 
number to the abbies of Clugny and La Charite, 
to state their grievances; and applied to the 
Pope also for redress. Their interest in these 
abbies was not equal to that of the convent of 
Pontefract, as the persons sent were detained 
there as prisoners. It should seem they had 
better success at Eome, as a bull was obtained 
rather in favour of their cause. 

After having incurred immense expence, the 
business was finally put to reference by the 
mutual consent of both parties; and a judgment 
may be formed o^ the importance attached to 
this cause from the rank and dignity of the 
persons chosen to settle it. Their decision was, 
that the monks of Bretton should pay annually 
nine marks to the priory of Pontefract; and 
twenty shillings as an acknowledgment of their 



326 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

subjection ; and that the convent of Brett on 
should hereafter enjoy the right of choosing 
their own superior, who was to be installed by 
the prior of Pontefract, within three days after 
his election. It was also agreed that those bre- 
thren detained in the abbies of La Charite and 
Clugny should be liberated, and that the bre- 
thren should hereafter enjoy the whole internai 
management of their own house *. 

According to the above decision the convent 
of Bretton assigned over to the priory of Pon- 
tefract, for the payment of the nine marks, a 
mediety of the tithe of corn, and the whole 
tithe of hay in the village of Nottona. Also 
five acres of meadow in Smyethall, and a rent- 
charge of five shillings in Pontefract; 

After this time.no event of general impor- 
tance occurred respecting the priory. It con- 
tinued to flourish till that period, when the re- 
vival of literature and the spirit of free inquiry 
effected, in a considerable part of. Europe, one 
of the most surprising, and happy revolutions 
in the public mind. The priory was surren- 
dered by James Twaytes, the prior, and the 
convent, into the hands of the king, on the 
24th of November, in the thirty-first of Henry 
VIII. 

It appears by returns into the Court of 
Augmentation, that the king gave the prior the 
deanry of St. Clements, in the castle, with all 
its possessions, rights, tithes and emoluments, 
during the term of his natural life; and the 



* S. C. Monast. N. B. For a more particular ac- 
count of Lund, or. Monk Bretton, see Burton's Monasticon. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 321 

site of the priory, with all the houses, buildings, 
gardens, orchards, and the demesne lands to the 
same belonging, was let on a lease to Peter 
Mewtas, Esq. at the annual rent of twenty- 
three pounds seventeen shillings and eightpence*. 

The same gentleman held on lease the lands 
and tenements, in the town of Pontefract, which 
belonged to the said priory, at the annual rent 
of six pounds fifteen shillings and five pence; and 
eighteen acres of arable land in Ferry field, 
(Ferrybridge Field) at eighteen shillings f per 
annum. Also Darrington mill, belonging to the 
deanry, at twenty shillings per annum. Amount 
of the whole eight pounds thirteen shillings and 
fivepence. 

Also for one messuage at Swineflete forty 
shillings per annum; and for the whole of the 
rectory of Pontefract, the sum of thirty two 
pounds fourteen shillings. Also for four acres 
and two roods of land, in Carlton, twelvepence. 

Also for the rents and farms of divers lands 
in Knott ingley, the sum of one pound eighteen 
shillings and sevenpence. 

The site of the priory, its demesne, tithes 

* Returns in the Court of Augmentation. 

f It is amusing to compare the nominal value of property 
at the beginning of the sixteenth and at the conclusion of the 
eighteenth century. Land which was then rented at one shil- 
ling per acre, is now worth from fifty shillings to three pounds. 
It cannot however from this be concluded that the value of 
property has risen in this proportion. The value of land de- 
pends equally on its state of cultivation, as well as en the 
worth of its produce; and should it therefore be in poor con- 
dition, it must be of less value. Allowing for this it is pro- 
bable that the nominal value of land has increased in a pro- 
portion of twenty to one. 



328 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and emoluments, continued to be farmed out 
on leases to different individuals, till the seventh 
of Edward the sixth ; when a grant was made 
of all the propert\ T , belonging to the priory 
within the township of Pontefract, to George 
Lord Talbot *. 

Thus that property, which had been accu- 
mulating for five centuries, and hitherto had been 
deemed so sacred, that almost to touch it was 
considered a crime of such magnitude, as to 
expose the delinquent to all the thunders of the 
church and all the miseries of hell, was finally 
alienated. 

The following is an imperfect list of the 
lands, tithes, &c. which belonged to this house; 
and such lands- as are marked with an asterism, un- 
der the word Pontefract, are what were conveyed 
to Lord Talbot, and which have descended from 
him to the present possessor, Lord Harewood f . 

* Grant in the Court of Exchequer. 

f In the grant to Lord Talbot, the New-Hall is not 
mentioned; and from this circumstance it should appear it 
was not then erected. The style of this building is decidedly j 
that which prevailed in the reign of Henry VIII. and near to/ 
that period. The date on the arms is 1591, but it must have ' 
been erected prior to that time. There can be little doubt 
but it was erected by a branch of the Talbot family, and 
designed as a suitable mansion for their residence. The 
principal rooms are on a large scale ; and there are suitable 
offices and conveniences for a considerable establishment. What- 
ever was the reason, this building was never completely finish- 
ed within ; nor does it appear that any of the Talbot family 
resided in it. It was occupied as a farm house, by different 
tenants, till within a late period. 

It is said that the last branch of the Talbot family was 
a lady, who bequeathed the rectory and lands in Pontefract to 
the late Archbishop Dawes, whose only daughter marrying 
Edwin, late Lord Harewood, the whole came into that family. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 329 

ALTOFTS, one carucate of land here was given to the 
priory, by W. Folioth, and confirmed by the charter of Robert 
de Lacy*. 

BARNSLEY. This town was given by Radolph de 
Casprecurice, the proprietor, with the woods, meadows, mill, 
and rights belonging to the same, on condition that the convent 
should appoint one monk to pray expressly for his mother, 
another for his sister, and a third for himself after his death. 
He also reserved to himself the privilege of being admitted a 
member of the convent, in case he should request it; and 
according to the spirit of the age he prays, that if any one 
should attempt to deprive the monks of this property, *' God 
would blot him out of the book of life." His son confirmed 
the above grant, for which the convent gave him ten marks 
of silver, and promised to give annually peiliceam et botas 
monchi, i. e. the black robe and the boots of the order f. 

The priory of Monk Bretton had some property here. In 
the year 1469, Richard de Leeds the prior, and the convent 
granted leave to those of Pontefract, to make a new-miildam 
for a corn-mill, in the close called Le Manroid and Pageroid, 
lying on the south east part of, and adjoining to the bridge, 
for which the monks of Pontefract were to pay annually a 
rose, if demanded t. 

BARNSETE, now called Barnsed, in a high and naked 
situation, contiguous to the moors of Yorkshire, belonged to 
this priory ; a circumstance which has given to a neighbouring 
house the name of Monkrode, upon the same estate. It was held 
under the priory for two or three generations by the TownIeys§. 

BEXALE, or Beale, Henry de Lacy granted the fishery 
here ||. 

BRACKENHILL. Roger de Lacy gave all his lands 
here; and Hugh Delaval confirmed the same, specifying the 
quantity as being fourteen acres. 

BRETTON. See Lund. 

BROCTUNE, in the county of Cumberland. Alice de 
Romeley, daughter of Robert de Romeley, Lord of Skipton 
in Craven, gave a carucate of land here; and a house in the 
same town, where the monks might reside occasionally, when 
they went to receive their rents or the prodiue of the land. 
She also granted them, or those who held the land under them, 
all common rights and privileges which the town enjoyed^". 

* Ch. Mon. f Ibid. JBurton's Mon. 95. § Whit. Whalley. 
(j Ch. Mon. ^ Ibid. 

U U * 



330 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

BURNLEY. Hugh Delaval gave the church here. 

CATWYK, or Catwick. By the advice and with the 
consent of Roger, Archbishop of York, who was a great 
friend to the monks, Peter de Falkenbe'rg gave the rnedieiy of 
the church here, on the condition of his obit, and that of his 
wife, being annually celebrated ; and that himself and his heirs 
should be admitted to the privileges of the house*. 

CASTLEFORD. Two mills were given here by Hugh 
Delaval; which Henry de Lacy confirmed, and gave in ad- 
dition the benefit of the ferry. W. Folioth gave here one. 
carucate of land, lying before the castle. 

COLTHORN, or Cawthorn. See Silkstone. 

CLITHEROE. The chutch within the castle was given 
to the priory, as well as the church of St. Mary Magdalene, 
in the town, by the charter of H. Delaval; with the tithes 
of all his lands there f. 

COLNE. The church here with whatever belonged to it, 
the above Delaval gave to this house. 

CRAVEN. In the first of Henry II. Alice de Romeley, 
daughter of Robert de Romeley, Lord of Skiplon in Craven;, 
gave to these monks free chase in all her lands and woods 
within her fee, with liberty to hunt and take all manner of 
wild beasts there. Furthermore, she bestowed on them the 
tenth of all the deer taken within her own lands and chase in 
Craven. Also a certain piece of ground in each of her lord- 
ships, to make a grange for their tithes, with common of 
pasture for their cattle, together with her own, in all her woods, 
moors and fields, during the whole time of autumn j. 

DARDINGTON, or Darrington. Robert de Lacy gave 
the church with all its privileges; H, Delaval, during his 
temporary possession of the estates of the Lacies, confirmed 
the above grant, exempting from the authority of the monks, 
one carucate of land, and an hospital for the sick and aged. 
H. de Lacy, by his charter, confirmed the above, with the 
chapel of Stapleton §. 

DODWORTH. The founder of the priory, Robert de Lacy, 
gave the manor and all his land here, reserving to himself only 
the spernarii of a certain water. The boundaries are accurately 

* Ch. Mori, f Ibid. + Ducc. Baron. 

§. Stapleton must have been, at this early period, a considerable village. 
It is uncertain at what time the chapel was destroyed. The village itself 
has given place to an elegant seat, late the property and residence of Lord 
Stouiton, who has sold it to £. L. Hodgson, Esq. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 331 

defined. On one hand a certain valley separates it from Thur- 
goland and Stainburgh ; and on another a stream called Mer- 
vinbrook, which falls into the same valley. On the third side 
it is bounded by a place called Wolf-Hole, and by another 
stream, which runs through Heliley, and falls into the water 
which comes from Silkstonc ; and lastly along the valley beyond 
a place called Huggesides, and following the watercourse to- 
wards Barnsley, then turning along the hill called Ravenslcu, 
which divides Dodworth from Beck. The above grant was 
made to supply food for their horses, and those of their 
friends "*. 

Two brothers of this place, Richard and William, sons 
of Uif de Doddewrda, gave to the convent, for the love of 
God and the salvation of their own sculv, all the men they had 
on the land, with their houses and chattels for ever. How 
degraded was the state of these men, who could be transferred 
like cattle from one proprietor to another ! The love of 
God ought to have prompted these devotees rather to have 
given liberty to their villain, than to have transferred them 
to a convent. Such was then the state of society, and such 
then the spirit of the age. 

FAIRBURN. One Ada gave half an oxgang of land 
here, to supply the monks with bread and wine when they 
celebrated mass, for the redemption of his own soul, and 
those of his wife, parents and friends. 

FEREBY-SOUTH, in the county of Lincoln. Gilbert, the 
Earl of Lincoln, gave the ferry here, and three and a half 
oxgangs of land, together with fourteen houses, reserving to 
himself the annual payment of six pounds. In a contest be- 
tween him and Henry Lacy, he had injured the monks, and 
trampled on the sacred rights of the church. Conscious that 
he had been guilty of a great crime, he made a vow to be- 
stow the above mentioned property, either to purchase for 
them a lamp, or to supply them with oil to keep one con- 
tinually burning. 

FERRYBRIDGE. Jordan de Sancta Maria gave a mea- 
dow here. The boundaries are defined, but owing to the di- 
vision of fields, it is perhaps now nearly impossible to ascer- 
tain it. One head was above Longlathes, and stretched to 
• the Aire, Another towards Haliwell, was beyond the stream 
which comes from Pontefract, between the meadow belonging 
to the abbey of Fountaines on the north, and Ferrybridge Field 

* Ch. A. M. 



332 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

on the south. Another past joined the meadow belonging th©> 
hospital of Fulsnaph, and the last a field belonging to Robert 
de Hiekleton. 

FRYSTONE. The same Jordan gave the Foredales, or 
headlands of a meadow here, which joined the stream that di- 
vides this township from Ferrybridge""-. 

FOXHOLES. H. Delaval gave six oxgangs of land here. 1 
As this is noticed after Dodworth, it is probable it lay there. 
See Dodworth f. 

FEATHERSTONE. See Whitwood. 

INGOLVESMELES. Alice de Gaunt gave one carucate 
of land here, which had been given to her as her dowry 
by Ilbert de Lacy, It was confirmed by Roger de Malbrai, 
her second husbandj. 

KESWICK, in the county of Cumberland. Simon de 
Mohaut gave two oxgangs of land here, consisting of twenty 
acres, together with a toft of one acre in the same town, with 
all rights and privileges thereto belonging, on condition of 
enjoying the prayers of the house, and liberty to become a 
brother when he should demand it §. 

KELLINGLEY. Henry de Lacy gave this whole village, 
with all the land from Knottingley on one hand, and Beale 
on the other, to the piiory. The boundary on the side of 
Knottingley is said to be a ditch called Post Leiesic ||. 

KIPPIS. H. Delaval granted the church here, the tithes 
and whatever belonged the same. Henry de Lacy confirmed 
this grant *f[. 

KIRKBY. See Pontefract. 

KIMBERWORTH, near Rotherham. One John Bouilli 
gave half an acre and a toft here **. 

LEDESHAM. One half of this village was given by 
Robert de Lacy, together with the church, which was con- 
firmed by the charter of H. de Lacy ff. 

LEDSTON. Robert de Lacy gave the whole of his 
land here, which grant was confirmed by H. de Lacy it- 

LUND, or Monk-Bretton. Lands had been left here to 
the priory. On some account a contest arose respecting these 
lands between the priories of Pontefract and Bretton ; and 
the affair was pat to reference. William Bradford and Robert 
Chaloner, referees, decided that the convent of Monk-Bretton 

* Ch. Men. f Ibid. j Ibid. § Ibid. j| Ibid. f Ibid,, 

f* Ibid. ff Tanner's N f +J Ch.Mou, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 333 

should have the lands in question; they paying to Rich. Brown 
the prior, and the convent of Pontefract, fifty-five marks*. 

MEER, or Maram. See Whitwood. 

M1NSTHORP. See Silkstone. 

NORTON. Jordan Foiioth gave the west mill here, 
with the land on which it stood, and a toft of one acre, 
between the mill and a garden near to the road, on the 
north, with the soke and suit of the said mill, paying to the 
chaplain of Norton one mark of silver annually, on the feast 
of St. Dionisiusf. 

PONTEFRACT. Rohert de Lacy gave the ground on 
whL-h the priory was erected, and the closes around, which 
in the charter of Delaval are estimated at seven acres £, 

ALLrSAINTS' CHURCH was granted by the said Robert. 

St. MARY's CRURCH, now called St. Giles', in the 
market-p'ace, was aho granted by H. Delaval. One half of 
this church had been given by Ilbert de Lacy to the canons 
of St. Oswald, but Archbishop Thurston granted Delaval per- 
miss.on to bestow it wholly on this convent. 

* Arable lands in the Common-Fields, amounting to twenty- 
one acres, were enjoyed by the monks. 

* BaghUL One carucale of Iand§ lying here was given 
to the convent by W. Foiioth, and afterwards confirmed by his 
son Jordan. 

* BayUJf-Yard, a small close mentioned among the lands 
granted to Lord Talbot. 

* Carter Closes, mentioned in the same grant, and estimated 
at twenty-four acres. 

* East-Field, and a part of Darrington field, also men- 
tioned, estimated at sixty-two acres and a half, 

* Gallows-Hill Close, of which no estimation is given, 

* Hudercrft, containing by estimation six acres. 

* KellingUy, containing by estimation twelve acres. 

* New-Close, containing six acres. 

* North-Field, containing sixty-one acres and a half. 

* Spittle-Close, no estimation given. 

* Vestry-Close, containing ten acres. 

* Wattflat and Watfall Closes, containing six acres and a 
half. 

* Burton's Mod. p. 93. +M. A. + Cart. 

§ This caruca.e is most probably the closes called in Talbot's grant, 
Baghill-field, or Burton Fiat and Bene Flat, and Baghill and Flaghill, which 
are there eitimated at fijiy-four acres. 



$34 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

* Well-Close, near Milldam, containing one acre and a half. 

St. NICHOLAS' HOSPITAL. The custody of this, for 
the uses intended, was given to the priory by its founder, Rob. 
de Lacy, and confirmed by- Delaval and Henry de Lacy. 

St*. CLEMENT'S CHURCH, in the castle. Robert de 
Lacy gave this also to the convent, expressing in the strongest 
terms that it should not be hereafter given to any other house. 

WEST- MILL, he also granted for the use of the priory. 

EAST-MILL was granted by Henry de Lacy*, and 
aixty shillings annually to be paid by his bailiff, thirty at 
Easter, and thirty at Michaelmas f . 

The convent had a turvery in the park. Their right to a 
road here seems to have been disputed, and to settle which 
they entered into an agreement with one John Scot, to have 
a free passage to the said turvery, through the land of the said 
John Scot, in Hal i well %. 

Houses and lands in this town, were given through the 
piety and zeal of several of its inhabitants to the priory. They 
enjoyed * twenty acres of pasture in the park, which were 
taken from them about the 10th of Edward IV. but by due 
course of law, had them restored §. 

In the fines of Yorkshire, they paid for two houses and 
thirty-eight acres of land in Pontefract ||. 

PECKFIELD. The convent enjoyed some land here, as 
sn agreement was entered into between the convent and 
Hubertus and Gaufridus, sons of W. de Boelter, concerning 
the middle part of Peckfield f. 

QUELDALE, or Weldale. See Witwood. 

ROTHERHAM. The convent enjoyed some land here, 
in the reign of Richard II **. 

" * They are called the East and West Mills in reference to the situa- 
tion of each other, and not with respect to the town. The East Mill is 
that usually called Bondgate Mill ; and the West is that under the castle. 
Robert gave this latter in his first charter, and it was contained within the 
clausum, and formed the boundry of the south and west angle. 

-f* Trifling as this sum may now appear, it will be considerable if the 
comparative value of money be recollected. According to some authors, a 
shilling then, was worth a pound now. 

% Vid. A pp. ad Steventii, vol. 2. p. 219. This appeals to warrant 
the observation, that no coal mines had been opened in this part of the 
country as late as the fourteenth century, but that "turf and wood were the 
fuel commonly used. 

§ Vid. Beb. Harleiana. mo. 433. p. 121. In Talbot's grant, the Park 
Close is estim ted at twenty-two acres. 

U Tanner's N. *$ See Tanner's N: 

** Pat, 13, Trin. Rot. 22d Richard II. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 335 

RUGHALA, or Raul. Henry de Lacy granted two ox- 
gangs of land here. 

RANGBROOKE. See Silkstone. 
STAPLETON. See Darrington. 

SLADEBURN, in Craven. Delaval gave this church, with. 
the lands and chapels thereto belonging. Henry de Lacy con- 
firmed the grant. After this grant, the prior and convent pre- 
sented die first six rectors ; and enjoyed undisturbed whatever 
belonged to it. John of Gant deprived the house of this 
part of their property, nor could they ever recover it. The 
convent however made the attempt, and assigned the advow- 
son of the church to Booth and Byron, who gave it to the 
church of St. Catherine of Eccles, Though this gift was con- 
firmed by a Papal bull, the crown disregarded it and kept 
possession *. 

SILKSTONE. Swain, the son of Alricus, gave the 
church here, with six oxgangs of land lying near to it, and 
the chapels, lands and tythes, and whatever belonged thereto. 
His son, Ada, confirmed the above, as well as the grant ot 
the chapel of Cawthorn, with two oxgangs of land in the 
same village ; and two parts of the tithes ot all his demesnes, 
in Cawthorn, Kexburght, Gunultvvayt, Penyingstone, Wyrkes- 
burgh, Carleton, Newhall, Brereiy, Walton, Manesthorp, 
Wrangbruk, Midleton, Garbarum et cum omnibus ad eas per- 
tinentibus. 

SMITHELES, or Smithale. John Fitz Adam gave thirteen 
acres of meadow here, and two oaks in his wood of Byrkin, 
and one buck annually, out of his park, at the feast of St. 
John, ente partam Latinam. 

STAINBURGA, or Stainburgh. Adam Fitz Petre, gave 
one moiety of the mill here; and his brother John gave the 
other. 

SWINEFLETE. Here was a house belonging the priory, 
which at the dissolution was let for forty shillings per annum f. 

THORP. Henry de Lacy gave two oxgangs of land 
here. 

WITEWDE, or Witvvood. Robert de Lacy gave all his 
lands here, and at (Maram) or Meer to the priory, with all 
common rights and privileges. Also, the fishery from Whit- 
wood, to (Queldala) or VVeldale. The canons of St. Oswald* 

* Whit. Craven. 
•£■ Return of Rents in the Court of Augmentations. 



336 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

or Nostel, possessed in Witwood and Meer, thirty acres of 
arable land; and the tithe of hay in other fifteen acres, which 
they exchanged with the prior and convent of Pontefract, sav- 
ing the rights of the churches of Featherstone and Castieford, 
for two parts of their corn tithes in Brerely, Maynesthorp 
and Wrangbruck, which they enjoyed from die grant ot Adam 
Fitz Swain, and which belonged to the church of Silkstone* 
though within the parishes of Felkyrk and Southkjrkby. 

WHALLEY, in the Hundred of Blackburn, Lancashire. 
The church was given by H. Delaval, but was not confirm- 
ed by Robert de Lacy, or any of his successors. Being a 
place at that time of little importance, the prior and convent 
here continued to enjoy the patronage, and successively pre- 
sented four vicars. When the Lacy fee came to the Con- 
stables of Chester, they claimed the advowson of this church, 
and .afterwards conferred it on the abbey of Whalley. The 
prior and convent of Pontefract defended their right, but were 
altogether unsuccessful. According to the law which then ob- 
tained, any grants made by the possessor of a fee, when the 
lord of such fee was under an attainder, in case the attainder 
was reversed, were deemed invallid, unless the lord confirm- 
ed the grant. On this principle, the claim of the convent was 
rejected. 

LIST OF PRIORS. 

Temp. Confirm. Priors loci. Vacat. 

Adam, 

Oliver Daincourt, 
126— Godefridus, 
2 Id. May, 1311 Furnhardus de Cherley, 
145— Nic. Halle, 

Johannes Flynt*, 
R. Brown, 
James Twaytes. 

ALTAR CONSECRATED, 

27th Martii, A. D. 1352. 

A commission was granted to John Bishop of Philippi, lo 

consecrate a certain Altar within this conventual church of 

the priory of Pontefract, lately erected on the south side thereof. 

* MS. Inquis. in possession of J. Smyth, Esq. M. P. An. Undecinjo 
Hen. Septimi. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 337 

TESTAMENTARY BURIALS, 

August 13, 1391. William de Bayley made his will, (pro- 
ved Dec. 20, 1391,) giving his soul to God Almighty, St. 
Mary and All-Saints, and his body to be buried before the 
altar of St. Benedict, in the monastery of St. John, apostle and 
evangelist, of Pontefract. 

Jan. 6, 1435. John Awtee, rector of the parish church of 
Castleford, made his will (proved Jan. 20, 1445,) giving his 
soul (ut supra) and his body to be buried in the monastery of St. 
John, the apostle and evangelist, of Pontefract. 

Archbishop Thurston, who had intended to have commen- 
ced a monk of this monastery, was buried in the church of 
St. John the Evangelist, in February 1143. Goodwin informs 
us, he made a search for his grave near a place in the wall, 
on the south side of the choir of this church, then in ruins, 
but instead of the prelate, found a vast number of human 
skulls and bones, all regularly piled up, and laid in admirable 
order. A pious action of the monks, which has been met 
with in the ruins of several monasteries in this kingdom, well 
worthy of imitation at the present day. 



X 



33 S HISTORY OF POSTEFRACT. 



BLACK, DOMINICAN, 



PREACHING FRIARS. 



1 HIS order came into England in the reigft 
of Henry III. in the year 1231. They settled 
a house here, which is said to have been found- 
ed by one Symon Pyper. The seat of this 
house was nearly in the centre of the garden, 
now called Friar-Wood. A draw-well, and va- 
rious foundations which have been removed in 
the low garden, now in the occupation of Mr. 
Halley, ascertain the place where it once stood. 

A more delightful spot could not have been 
well selected. Embosomed in a wood, screened 
from the cold northern and westerly winds, by high 
grounds, the brothers enjoyed all the advantages 
of privacy and retirement, in a warm and well 
sheltered abode. 

This order was founded by St. Dominic, a 
Spaniard, who was raised to the dignity of Bishop 
of Osma. Of course he performed numerous 
miracles to entitle him to the honour of a Saint; 
and it would not be esteemed one of the least, 
that he instituted an order, whose chief object 
was, to convert heretics by the power of their 
eloquence, and to support the Roman hierarchy*. 

* This saint was chiefly employed in converting the AU 
bigenses and Waldenses, who inhabited Piedmont. The here- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 339 

This order was called Dominicans from their 
founder; preaching friars, from their office; and 
black friars from their dress. They wore a 
white cassock with a white hood over it, when 
within; but when they went abroad, they wore 
a black hood and a black cloak over their white 
vestments. 

The rule of this order obliged the friars to 
study the sacred scriptures, and devote them- 
selves to prayer continually. It allowed them 
to enjoy property, but recommended poverty 
as most favourable to devotion. They were 
enjoined perpetual abstinence from fleshmeat, 
and obliged to live on the coarsest fare. 

This austerity procured them the reputation 
of sanctity, and gave them a degree of pow^r 
and influence equal, if not superior, to any of 
the other religious orders. As their wealth in- 
creased they relaxed in discipline; and at length 
became odious in many catholic states. 

Thomas de Castleford was a brother in this 
house. He wrote the history of it, and of the 
other religious houses in the town, respecting 
which Leland remarks, he had found in it much 
more than he expected. 

Edmund de Lacy, constable of Chester, gave 
to these friars some lands, called East-Crofts, 
which adjoined to their house *, 

sues of these consisted in their denial of purgatory, and their 
rejection of prayers for the dead, invocation of saints, venera- 
tion of images and relics, absolution, exorcisms, sureties in 
baptism, and the canon of the mass. The success of St. 
Dominic, numerous as his miracles were, did not avail to ex- 
terminate these heresies; and a more effectual method was 
soon found necessary, that of exterminating by fire and 
.sword those who held them. 

* Memorandum preserved among the charters, 



340 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

In this house was interred Roger de Mow- 
bray, who died hi the fifty-first of Henry III. 

On the suppression of the lesser religious 
houses, in the twenty-eighth of Henry VI1L 
this house was surrendered by the prior, seven 
friars and one novice. 

The house and land belonging to it were 
granted to a W. Clifford and Michael Wildbore. 

TESTAMENTARY BURIAL. 

10. March, 1448, Thomas Box, gentleman, 
made his will, proved 6 May 1449, giving his 
soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and All Saints, 
and his body to be buried within the house of 
the friars, preachers, of Pontefract, 

The Carmelites, or White Friars. 

This order was brought into England in the 
same reign as the preceding, and Edmund de 
Lacy, constable of Chester, built a house for 
them here* At present no vestige of this 
house remains, nor any tradition of the place 
where it stood. 

This order took its rise in Mount Carmel, 
in the Holy Land; and is said to have been 
founded by Almericus, bishop of Antioch, in 
the year 1122. As this mount had been ho^ 
noured by the residence of the prophets Elijah 
and EHsha, this order pretended to derive its 
origin from them, by an uninterrupted succession 
of brethren. 

From their dress they were called White 
* Ch, Mon. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 341 

Friars; and from their poverty they were num- 
bered among the order of mendicants, or beg- 
gars. Their rules were given them by St. Albert, 
patriarch of Jerusalem, about the year 1205.* 
• They practiced the greatest austerities as 
essentially necessary to subdue the flesh and se- 
cure final happiness. They rose at four o'clock 
in summer, and five in the winter. They slept 
every night in their coffins upon straw, and 
every morning dug a shovelful of earth for 
their graves. They walked, or rather crept, to 
their devotion on their knees. They imposed 
strict silence on themselves from vespers till 
the tierce next day. They ate twice a day, 
but never tasted fleshmeat. They were en- 
joined confinement to their cells, and to conti- 
nue in prayer. They fasted from the feast of 
the holy cross till Easter. 

The rigour of this discipline was relaxed by 
Innocent the 4th. and the pious brothers, who 
had grown weary of mortification, were permitted 
to taste again the flesh-pots of Egypt. 

The Austin Friars. 

The brethren of this order had a house here; 
and it is probable, their house was the one 
which Edward III. granted William L, Tabou- 
rere leave to found as an oratory for eight indigent 
persons, with an independent chaplain of the 
order of St. Augustine, or Austin. There can 
be little doubt, that the hospital, now called 
Bede houses, was the residence of these brethren. 
The name Bede, which is from the Saxon 
* Butler's Lives of the Saints. 



S42 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

(bidan) to pray, is synonimous with the Latin 
term oratory, or house of prayer. 

This order derives its origin from Augustine, 
the celebrated bishop of Hippo, near Carthage, 
in Africa. On his conversion he retired to his 
own house, in the country, with his friends. 
Here they enjoyed all things in common, and 
spent their time in devotional exercises. When 
he was raised to the priesthood his friends fol- 
lowed him to Hippo, and a house was then 
erected for them. 

The habit of these monks was a white gar- 
ment and scapulary, when they were in the 
house, but when in the choir or abroad they 
had over the former a caul and a hood, both 
black, which were girt with a black leathern 
thong. 

This order was one of the mendicants, and their 
rules were sufficiently precise and singular. They 
enjoyed all things in common ; and the rich, 
who entered this order, sold their possessions 
and gave the money to be equally appropriated 
to the use of the brethren. They were not 
allowed to receive alms without delivering the 
whole up to their superior. They employed the 
first part of the day in labour, and the re- 
mainder in reading and devotion. Saturday was 
allowed to provide necessaries, and on the Sab- 
bath they were permitted to drink wine. 

When they went abroad they were always 
obliged to go two together; nor were they per- 
mitted to eat out of their convent, let the calls 
of nature be ever so urgent. The least sexual 
desire was deemed a mortal sin, and the strictest 
chastity was enjoined. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 348 s ; 

ALL-SAINTS' CHURCH, 

OR 

ALLHALLOWS. 



1 HAT a church existed here long anterior to 
the conquest has already been rendered probable, 
if not certain; and the doomsday survey esta- 
blishes the fact, that one did exist at that 
period. The present church of All-Saints cannot, 
however, be referred to a period so remote. 
The style of its architecture is wholly what is 
generally denominated Gothic; and though it 
is probable that it has been erect d at different 
times, there is no appearance of the Saxon 
style in any part of it. 

It is altogether uncertain by whom the 
church was built*. The present structure, most 
probably, may be referred to the reign of Henry 
III. a period in which most of our Gothic 
parish churches were erected. 

This church is in the form of a cross, with 

* A late writer (see Miller's Doncaster) informs the public 
that this church was founded by Robert de Lacy, who gave 
it to Kirkstall Abbey. In his researches the editor has met 
wiih nothing to support such an opmion ; but from the 
former part of this history it will appear, that Kirkstall 
Abbey was not founded till the time of Henry de Lacy, the 
second son of Robert, who was the only person of the fa- 
mily interred there. The gentleman above referred to, it is 
probable fell into this mistake ihrough inadvertence, confound- 
ing the church of the priory ot St, John with the church of 
All-Saints. 



344 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

a handsome tower in the middle, which was 
crowned with a magnificent lantern, enriched 
with sculpture. Gent informs us, on the au- 
thority of other writers, that the four outward 
corners of the belfry (in which there were twelve 
t bells) were adorned with four images of the 
Evangelists. The lantern is said to have been 
ornamented with the effigies of the eight apostles 
standing on pedestals joined to the several cor- 
ners. 

The ground plan will give the best idea of 
the interior. The length from east to west is 
fifty-three yards, and from north to south twenty- 
seven yards. This place is remarkable for the 
two entrances of a double staircase ascending 
to the belfry, and from thence to the top of 
the second battlement. The staircase is in the 
northwest corner, adjoining the column, but 
not within it. Both gradations turn round on 
one centre, and are both circumscribed within 
the same space. 

The chancel was double, extending farther 
north, and a little farther south, than the eastern 
parts. A cross ile, from two opposite and pro- 
portionable doors, equally divide it, and run 
the whole length of its boundaries. Above 
the doors are two large Gothic windows. 

The western part was not so broad as the 
eastern. The roof of the side iles was much 
lower than that of the nave or body, form- 
ing a kind of penthouse to the nave, like 
many of our old parish churches. From the 
arches of the columns, which form the side iles, 
a wall was carried up, and a range of windows 
was made, to give light to the nave or body. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 345 

A parapet wall was carried round the nave of 
the western part, so that any person might 
walk upon the roof with safety. 

The windows in the east and west afford a 
fine specimen of the magnificence and peculiar 
effect of the Gothic style of architecture. They 
are of large dimensions, and the stone mulions 
exceedingly slender. These windows must have 
thrown a flood of light along the whole body 
of the church. 

The cross iles and chancel only seem to 
have been furnished with pews and appropriated 
to the use of the parishioners. The whole wes- 
tern part, with its beautiful pointed arches, 
formed only a magnificent entrance to the part 
employed in divine service. In this respect 
this fine parish church strongly resembles our 
cathedrals and minsters. 

An intelligent Roman catholic gentleman, on 
viewing the remains of this venerable structure, 
immediately pointed out the southeast part, as 
having been what is called, in the churches 
abroad, the crypt. This part evidently appears to 
have been lower than the chancel and the cross 
iles ; and was separated from the chancel and high 
altar by a range of columns. In this part there 
was also a small altar, with a fine sculptured figure 
above it, in a devotional attitude. Nothing 
now remains of the figure but the leg; but 
even this specimen does such honour to the 
sculptor as to excite regret, that the misguided 
zeal of the reformers, or the fatal effects of 
the civil war, should have mutilated and nearly 
destroyed one of the best proofs of the state 
of the fine arts, 

Y y * 



346' HISTOHY OF PQNTEFRACT. 

The crypt, as its name imports, was a kind 
of church under ground \ and here some impor- 
tant ceremonies were performed. The design 
of the catholic church seems always to have 
been to dazzle and charm the imagination, by 
the pomp and magnificence of its ceremonies. 
Hence those events, which the Evangelists have 
narrated with so much simplicity and pathos, 
this church has converted into scenic represen- 
tations. The passion of the Saviour has employ- 
ed the pencil of the best artists; and to ren- 
der this event more striking and impressive, the 
crypt in churches was devised. On Good-Friday, 
the supposed day on which the Saviour died, 
the host, the emblem of his person and sacrifice, 
was solemnly carried into the crypt, which on that 
occasion was covered with black, and laid on 
the small altar, to represent his body laid in 
the tomb. From Good-Friday till Easter sab- 
bath morning all was silent as death. No 
masses were celebrated. The priests performed 
their devotions in secret. 

On Easter day the scene was changed. 
The host was brought from the crypt, and pomp- 
ously conveyed to the high altar, to represent 
the resurrection. To give effect to this cere- 
mony, the priests wore peculiar dresses; high 
mass was performed \ and gazing crowds were 
charmed with the scene, and regaled with the 
vibrating notes of the loud sounding organ. 

During the siege this church received such 
injuries as could not easily be repaired. Its fine 
lantern was battered down, its interior destroyed, 
and the whole roof considerably damaged. Al- 
though the parliament allotted a thousand pounds, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 347 

out of the money arising from the sale of the ma- 
terials belonging to the castle, towards its re- 
pairs, little appears to have been done. Above 
the top of the square tower an octagon was 
raised, with spires at each angle, instead of the 
ancient lantern; and this seems all that was 
then effected. 

It would not be generous to charge the 
parishioners with negligence and inattention to 
this magnificent church. It is more consonant 
to charitv to believe, that they found themselves 
incompetent to restore it, to its former grandeur; 
and at length reluctantly resigned it to the cank- 
ering tooth of all devouring time. After the re- 
storation one effort more was however made to 
save it from ruin. A brief was granted within the 
county, and the sum of fifteen hundred pounds 
was raised; which was unfortunately entrusted 
to a man, whose name as an ant quarian deserves 
respect, but whose conduct in this instance will 
cover it with reproach: for he embezzled the 
whole sum *. 

It has been above observed, that this church 
had once no fewer than twelve bells. One of these 
only now remains; and some of the parishioners 
once wished to have it removed, and conveved 
to the church of St. Giles, which at that period 
was without. The vicar who seems to have been 
partial to this venerable structure, though in 
ruins, called the whole of the parishioners toge- 
ther, to determine whether the bell should re- 

* A contract deed is now in the possession of the author, 
between certain workmen, on the one part, and Dr. Nathaniel 
Johnson, the gentleman above reierred to, on the other part, 
for the repairs of the said church. 



348 HISTORY GF PONTEFRACT. 

main or be removed. The inhabitants of Knot- 
tingley, who belong to the parish, came in con- 
siderable numbers, and a great majority decided 
in favour of the bell remaining. 

The following inscriptions, in old English 
letters, are cast round the bottom of the bell. 
H&C campana beata sacra Trinitati fiat. May 
this blessed bell be sacred to the Trinity. Hcec 
est tuba Dei. This is the trump of God. IHE 
nomen ei*. The date is 1598. Various coats 
of arms are also cast on the bell. 

Gn the termination of the siege, the lantern 
of the church had been injured so much, that it 
is probable some of the bells had been destroyed, 
and others taken down. There is a tradition that 
Col. Bright, who was a distinguished officer in 
Lambert's army, and who was deputed to treat for 
the surrender of the castle, availed himself of his 
interest with the general to obtain some of 
these bells, for his own parish church of Bads- 
worth, where they now remain f . 

The church of All-Saints was given to the 
priory by its founder, Robert de Lacy. The 
brethren of this house performed divine services, 
and enjoyed all the tithes, firstfruits and obla- 
tions of the parish. The rectory continued in 

* The author leaves it to the learned reader to make out 
this part of the inscription. Had the last letter been an S, 
as we generally find I. H. S. the initials of Jesus hominum 
Salvator, the sense would have been, " May Jesus the Saviour 
of men be the name given to it." But as it stands the author 
readily acknowledges his inability to explain it. 

f Having examined these bells, it does not appear from 
the dates that more than one bell could have been removed, 
unless they have been recast. The tenor is dated 1582, and 
the three others date after the restoration. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 349 

their possession till the surrender of the house 
to the king; when it went as part of their 
property, to the augmentation of the king's 
revenue. 

It was leased off to Peter Mewtas, Esq. at 
the annual rent of twenty two pounds fourteen 
shillings. It now makes one hundred and seventy- 
one pounds nineteen shillings, although some 
parts of it have been sold to other persons. 

In the forty-third of Queen Elizabeth there 
was a suit instituted in the court of Exchequer, 
about the reparation of the chancel of the 
church of Pontefract; and by the proceedings 
in the suit it appears, that the different parts 
of the rectory were still in the possession of 
the crown, but under lease in separate parcels to 
the following gentlemen, Baron Saville, Edward 
Talbot, Esq, Thomas Beverley, Esq. Thomas 
Riccard, gent. Robert Frank, gent, and William 
Stables, gent. 

The whole rectory continued in the posses- 
sion of the crown, till the beginning of the 
reign of James I. when the following portions 
of it were alienated, 

The tithes of grain in Hardwick Roods, 
ralue six shillings and eightpence, and the tithes 
of grain in Pontefract, value eight pounds, were 
granted to Lawrence Baskerville, John Styles, 
Humphrey Bunhel, in fee by letters patent, 
dated the 29th Oct. the second of James I. 

The following abstract of leases of various 
parts of the rectory, now remaining in the 
Augmentation office, will shew what tithes then 
formed the rectorv. 



350 history of pontefract. 

Lessees. Rent. 
£, s. d. 
1562, Tithes of bay de Villa de • 

Pontefract, John Bathe, 118 8 

1567, Ditto of grain, do. Fran. liempe, 8 
1569, Do. of hay and grain of 

Ferrybridge, John Beverley, 5 13 4 

1578, Do. of grain, Knottingley, 

Bob. Art lung ton, 9 
1591 , Do. of hay, East-Ings,do. /, Belhouse, 1 1 4 
6 Eliz.Do. hemp and flax do. Bob. Cooke, ) Q 

Do. hay West-Ings, do. do. j 

1565, Do, of grain, Hardwick 

Roods, B. Erringto7i, 6 8 

6 Eliz.Do. corn and hav of 

Soul hf Hard wick, Bob. Cooke, 4 6 8 

1594, Do. of corn and hay, Spit- 

tle-Hardwick, Wm. Stables, % 10 

£. 30 15 8 

Whether the monks, who enjoyed the rectory, 
became negligent in the discharge of their spi- 
ritual functions, or whether it was deemed 
more proper for one of the secular clergy to 
discharge such duties, we find a vicar appointed 
as early as Edward III. 

John, Archbishop, ordained Nov. 20, 1461, 
that the prior and convent of Pontefract, and 
their successors, should for ever entirely receive 
all and singular the fruits, rents, profits, tithes, 
oblations and emoluments, of this church of 
All Saints, 

And pay to M. Adam de Scargill, then vicar 
of that church, and to his successors, thirty 
marks per annum quarterly in the same church, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 351 

in the name of the whole and entire portion of 
his vicarage ; 

And shall bear all burdens ordinary and ex- 
traordinary incumbent on the same, excepting 
synodals only, which the vicar shall pay for 
the time being. 

August 1, 1459, the archbishop made this 
new ordination of the vicarage of All Saints, 
of Pontefract, viz. That John White, then 
vicar, and his successors, should have for their 
habitation one house situate nigh the said church, 
called vulgarly Balay-Piace, with the garden to 
the same adjoining, 

And that the prior and convent of Ponte- 
fract should receive all the fruits, profits and 
tithes thereof, &c, and pay to the said vicar, 
and his successors, twenty marks, in English 
money, per annum, quarterly in the said church 
of All-Saints, 

And bear all burdens ordinary and extraor- 
dinary, whatsoever incumbent on the said church. 
In the year 1533, an agreement was made 
between the mayor and commonalty on one 
part, and the prior and convent on the other, 
respecting the finding and sustaining certain 
chaplains within the church of All-Saints, who 
should celebrate divine offices therein, and ad- 
minister the sacrament to the parishioners. In 
consequence of this the archbishop ordained that 
there should be within this parish church of 
All-Saints, two chaplains perpetually found and 
sustained by the said prior and convent. One 
of which should celebrate in the chapel of St. 
Giles, at the cost of the e.aid prior and convent, 
and the other should celebrate and administer 



352 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

the sacrament and sacramentals in the said 
church of All-Saints, &c. 

Are we to consider this as evidence that 
the vicarage now ceased? Or is the vicar to 
be considered as one of the chaplains? This 
latter supposition seems most probable. 

On the suppression of the monastery the vicar- 
age was suffered to remain, but without any aug- 
mentation or fresh endowment. The only change 
the vicarage underwent was, that the crown, in 
lieu of the sum of thirteen pounds six and 
eightpence, permitted the vicar to receive the 
small tithes. Although this fact is unsupported 
hy any express grant of the crown, it cannot 
be questioned. In the accounts of the rents of 
the rectory, there is nothing deducted for the 
vicar, as there would have been had any sum 
been paid; and in the leases of tithes, there is 
no mention whatever of the small tithes, which 
undoubtedly belonged to the rectory, as well 
as those of grain and hay. From this it may 
be inferred that on the suppression of the pri- 
ory, and the impropriation of the rectory by 
the crown, the vicar received the small tithes in 
lieu of what had before been allowed. 

This vicarage was so poorly endowed, that 
when the commission of enquiry into the true 
value of all ecclesiastical benefices was executed, 
it was discharged for ever from the payment of 
tenths and first fruits, and at that period could 
not be above the value of fifty pounds per ann. 
In Bacon's Liber" Regis it is stated at the clear 
yearly value of ninety pounds. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



353 



Vicars of All-Saint i Church, down to the Restoration. 



Temp. Inst. 

1267. 
16kal.Julii,1302. 
6kal.Aug. 1316. 
4kaI.Maii, 1329. 
16kal. Sep. 1338. 
2 Feb. 1349. 

16 Mar. 1349. 

24 Jan. 1350. 

2 Jan. 1355. 

17 Nov. 1361. 

25 Nov. 1-361, 
15 Apr. 1364. 

5 Maii, 1437. 

23 Feb. 1438. 
20julii. 1465. 

3 Aug. 1483. 

15 Sep. 1483. 

24 Mar. 1485. 
7 Junii, 1486. 
3 Junii, 
7 Mar. 
12 Feb. 

26 Nov. 
12 Apr. 1438. 

16 Julii, 1568. 
12 Dee. 1588. 
24 Junii, 1595. 
21 Junii, 1597, 
SMar. 1624. 



Viearii. 



Patroni. 



Vacat. 



Dns. Hugo de Birkesburgh. P.&C.deP. p.mort. 



1489. 
1490. 
1503. 
1506. 



Dns. Tho. Beks, CI. 


lidem. 




Dns. Adam Polit, Pr. . 


lidem. 




Dns. Nic. de Erghes, Pr. 


lidem. 


p. resig. 


Dns. Will, de Sutton, Cap. 


lidem. 


p. resig. 


Dns. Rog. Paxton, Cap. 


Rex. &c. 


p. mort. 


M. Adam de Scargill, Diac. 


Rex. &c. 


p. resig. 


Dns. Will. deSt. Albano. 


E. 3 Rex. 


p. resig. 


Dns. Hugo de Saxton, Cap. 


Rex. &c. 


p. resig. 


Dns. Joh. del Becks, Cap. 


Rex. &c. 




Hugo de Saxton. 




p. resig. 


M. Adam de Scargill O.C.E 


lidem. 




Dns. Ric. Douks. 


lidem. 


p. resig. 


Dns. Will. Danke, Cap. 


lidem. 




Dns. Joh. Thornton. 


lidem. 


p. mort. 


Dns. Joh. Cud worth, Pr. 


lidem. 


p. resig. 


Dns. Joh. White. 


lidem. 


p. mort, 


Mr. Tho. Challoner, Cap. 


J.Lathu,h. 


v. p.mort. 


Dns. Ric. Bervman, Cap. 


P.&C.deP.p. resig, 


Dns. Joh. Stodfolde, Cap. 


lidem. 


p. mort. 


Dns. X'topher Bargh, Cap. 


lidem. 


p. mort. 


M. Tho.Harryson, M.A.Pr 


lidem. 


p. mort. 


Dns. Peter Beke, Cap. 


lidem. 


p. resig. 


M. Rob. Cutteler. 


lidem. 


p. mort. 


M. Tho. Bromflete, M. A. 


lidem. 


p. mort. 


M.Rob.Wombersley,M.A. 


lidem. 


p. mort. 


Dns. Joh. Barkar, Pr. 


lidem. 


p. mort. 


Ric. Asheton, CI. 


J. Botenian, &c. 


Tho. Haman, CI. 


Eliz.Reg. 


p. resig. 


Laur. Barkar, CI. M. A. 


Eadem. 


p. resig. 


T.PulIeyne,Cl.M.A.ob.l627.Eadem. 


p. resig. 


Will. Stiles, CI. B. A. 


Rex. Jac 




Joseph Ferret. 




p. resig. 



z z 



354 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 

Chantry. 

In this church there was one or more chan- 
tries*. In an account of the tithes belonging 
to the deanry of St. Clement, in the Augmenta- 
tion office, this chantry is mentioned as founded 
by Rob. Rish worth, who endowed it with lands 
within the parish of Pontefract. This appears to 
have been on the north side of the east part of the 
church* where the place for the altar still remains. 

Testamentary Burials , from Torre's Manuscript. 

Die Jovis prox. post festu St. Nici, 1387, 
Job. de Gay ton. of Pontefract, made his wiH, 
(proved ) giving his soul to God Al- 

mighty, St. Mary and All-Saints, and his body 
to be buried within the church of All-Saints, in 
Pontefract, 

Die Lunas prox. post festu St. Petri ad vin- 
cula, 1390, Rob. de Beghall, of Pontefract, 
made his will (proved Feb. 1390,) giving his 
soul to God Almighty, and his body to be bu- 
ried in the church of All-Saints, of Pontefract. 

Die Jovis in festo St. Matthei, April, 1391, 
Roger Silkston, of Pontefract, made his will, 

* These foundations were possessed of great wealth, de- 
rived from the pious pretence of saying masses for departed 
souls. The chantries were generally annexed to churches, and 
we are told that there were no less than forty-seven within 
St' Paul's Cathedral: each of these had a separate, generally 
landed, estate. They were given to the king by the parlia- 
ment, in December 1547, though not without much opposi- 
tion, as well from Protestants as Papists; and thus went the 
last remnant of that immense mass of property, which had 
been wrested from the Romish clergy in the course of the last 
fifteen years. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 355 

(proved Oct. 15, 1591,) giving bis soul to God 
Almighty, St. Mary and All-Saints, and his 
body to be buried in the church of All-Saints, 
in the town of Pontefract. 

Die Jovis ante festum St. Nici Epi, 1427, 
William Carlell, of Pontefract, made his will, 
(proved Jan. 2i, 1497,) giving his soul (at supra,) 
and his body to be buried in the parish church 
of All-Saints, in Pontefract. 

Dec. 7, 1434, William Cawdray Physitian, 
made his will, (proved Feb. 15, 1434,) giving 
his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried 
in the parish church of All-Saints, Pontefract, 

November 17, 1435, John Saxton, of Pon- 
tefract, made his will, (proved Dec. 5, 1435,) 
giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be 
buried in the church of All-Saints, Pontefract. 

April 29, 1437, John Thornton, vicar of Pon- 
tefract, made his will, (proved May 5, 1438,) 
giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be 
buried in the parish church of All-Saints, Pon- 
tefract. 

April 12, 1443, Rob. Methley, of Pontefract, 
Fisher, made his will, (proved May 8, 1443,) 
giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be 
buried in the parish church of All-Saints, of 
Pontefract. 

Oct 14, 1443. John Sharp, of Pontefract, 
made his will, (proved Dec. 10, 1443,) giving 
bis soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and AhV 
Saints, and his body to buried in the parish 
church of Pontefract. 

June 10, 1445, John Devyas, of Pontefract, 
made his will (proved June 19, 1445,) giving 
his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and All- 



356 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Saints, and his body to be buried in the church 
of All-Saints, of Pontefract, before the image 
of St. John, the Baptist. 

August 23, 1446, John Finney, of Pontefract, 
made his will, (proved Oct. 10, 1446,) giving 
his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried 
in the parish church of All-Saints, of Pontefract. 

December 24, 1446, John Thomlynson, of 
Pontefract, made his will, (proved Feb. 11, 1446,) 
giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be 
buried in the parish church of All-Saints, of 
Pontefract. 

November 14, 1447, Joanna, wife of Tho. 
More, of Pontefract, made her will, (proved 
March 22, 1448,) giving her soul to God Al- 
mighty, and her body to be buried in the 
church of All-Hallows, of Pontefract. 

February 1, 1452, Richard More, of Ponte- 
fract, made his will, (proved March 8, 1452,) 
giving his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and 
All-Saints, and his body to buried in the parish 
church of All-Saints, of Pontefract. 

May 3, 1454, William Danby, of Pontefract, 
made his will, (proved Aug. 7, 1454,) giving 
his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried 
in his parish church of All-Saints. 

Jan. 9, 1461, Robert Roper, of Pontefract, 
made his will, (proved Jan. 14, 1461,) giving 
his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried 
in the parish church of All-Saints, of Pontefract, 

June 8, 1462, John Medlay, of Pontefract, 
made his will, (proved Aug. 14, 1462.) giving 
his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried 
in the church of All-Saints, Pontefract. 

John Balne, of Pontefract, made his will, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. S57 

(proved May S, 1464,) giving his soul to God 
Almighty, St. Alary' and All-Saints, and his 
body to be buried in the parish church of All- 
Saints, Pontefract. 

July 24, 1471, John Swillington, of Ponte- 
fract, made his will, (proved Sep. 5, 1471,) giv- 
ing his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be 
buried in the church of All-Saints, Pontefract. 

May 20, 1482, Tho. Challoner, vicar of All- 
Saints, Pontefract, made his will (proved July 
29, 1482,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his 
body to be buried in the chancel of the said 
church. 

May 29, 1489, Tho. Harryson, M. A, 
vicar of the church of All-Saints, Pontefract, made 
his will, (proved June 6, 1489,) giving his soul 
(ui supra,) and his body to be buried according 
to the custom. 

July 15, 1407, Roger Hartop, of Pontefract, 
made his will, (proved June 28, 1499,) giving 
his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and All- 
Saints, and his body to be buried in the church 
of All-Saints, before the image of St. Peter. 

Ult. March. 1547, Ric. Thwaytes, of Pon- 
tefract, made his wiH, (proved July 21, 1.547,) 
giving his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary 
and Alt-Saints, and his body to be buried in 
the church of All-Hallows, in Pontefract. 

July 18, 1548, William Arthyngton, of 
Knottingley, gent, made his will, (proved May 
8, 1549,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his bo- 
dy to be buried in the high quere, before his 
stall, within the church of All-Hallows, of Pon- 
tefract. 

July 27, 1600, Bridget Eltofts, of Brother- 



35 S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

ton, gentlewoman, made her will, (proved Fc?b. 
26, 1600,) giving her soul to God Almighty, 
her Creator and Redeemer, &c. and her body to 
be buried in the parish church of All-Hallows, 
in Pontefract. 

March 4, 1600. Leonard Healaighe, of Pon- 
tefract, gent, made his will, (proved April 30, 
16 >1 ,) giving his soul to God Almighty his 
Creator, and to Jesus Christ his Redeemer, and 
his body to be buried in the parish church of 
Pontefract, nigh his wife. 

January \5. 1606, Henry Kaye, of Knot- 
tinsley, gent, made his will, (proved April 21^ 
1607,) giving his soul to God Almighty, and 
his body to be buried in the parish church of 
Pontefract, 

September 7, 1613, Christopher Sands, of 
Pontefract, gent, made his will, (proved Dec. 
18, 1615,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his 
body to be buried in the parish church of Pon- 
tefract. 

January 8, 1616, William Stables, of Ponte- 
fract, made his will, (proved May 8, 1617,) giv- 
ing his soul to God Almighty, his Creator and 
Redeemer, and his body to be buried in the 
parish churchyard of All-Hallows, in Pontefract. 

January 16, 1618, John Frank of Ponte- 
fract, alderman, made his will, (proved July 2, 
1522,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body 
to be buried in the parish church of All-Hal- 
lows, Pontefract. 

1619. William Holgate, of Pontefract, gent, 
made his will, (proved May 4, «1 620,) giving 
his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried 
in the parish church of All-Hallows, in Ponte- 
fract, near his father. 



HISTORY OF, PONTEFRACT. 359 

May 9, 1620, Richard Twaites, of Pontefract, 
gent, made his will, (proved June 15, 1620.) 
giving his soul to God Almighty, and hoping 
through Jesus Christ to be saved, and his body 
to be buried in the parish church of All-Hal- 
lows, in Pontefract. 

December 19, 1621, Allen Aire, of Ponte- 
fract, gent, made his will, (proved May 9, 1622,) 
giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be 
buried in the parish church of All-Saints, in 
Pontefract. * 

January 17, 1626, Henry Franke, of Pon- 
tefract, made his will, (proved April 13, 1627,) 
giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be 
buried in the south alley of the church of All- 
Hallows, in Pontefract, near his sister Twaites. 

July 27, 1627, Administration of the goods 
of Tho. Pulleyn, late vicar of Pontefract, de- 
ceased, was granted to Francis Pulleyn, his son. 

April 18, 1638, John Grymesditch, of New- 
hall, Esq. made his will, (proved ) giving 
his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried 
in the parish church of Pontefract, near his 
father. 

December 12, 1672, John Ayscough, of Pon- 
tefract, gent, made his will, (proved Oct. 8, 
16790 giving his soul to God Almighty, his 
Creator and Redeemer, and his body to be 
buried in the parish church of Pontefract. 

St. Clement's Chapel, within the Castle* 

This chapel was built by Ilbert de Lacy, 
in the reign of William Rufus, and was doubt- 
less designed as a place of worship ior himself 



SCO HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. 

and his attendants, including those who dwelt 
in the park and St. Nicholas' hospital *, It 
appears from the foundation which still remains, 
to have been on a small scale/ and not capable 
of containing more than three hundred people. 
Situated close to Constable Tower, and extend- 
ing towards the King's Tower, it was securely 
protected from the hostile attacks of an enemy. 

This chapel was amply endowed by its 
founder, He gave two parts of the tithes of 
the demesne lands of Camaselle f , liodewell J, 
Barwica §, Partington, Chipsey cum Arleton, 
and Ledston, for which the said church had 
one mill in Newsome. 

Also the tithes of his demesnes in Octon|[, and 
Wolmersley; Chamsale and Emesale, in Linsey, 
Lincolnshire. Also in Cherisbery, ancj Frisbery, 
in the county of Nottingham ; and in Hickleton, 
Stainton, and Lusham, in the 'county of Oxford. 

Also the tithes of his own herds, and of 
his fishery of Knottingley, together with five 
oxgangs of land there. Also the tithes of ap- 
ples in JRodewell, Cherwist, and Went *[, and 
of one mill in Burgo**. 

Robert de Lacy gave in Knottingley the 
sixth part of an oxgang of land, in lieu of 
which, he afterwards gave two parts of the tithes 
of Norton, great Emsala, and Hemelswurd. 

* In the certificate of colleges, first of Edward VI. it is 
3aid that in St. Nicholas' hospital was made all their offerings 
and privy tithes to the dean. 

f Campsall. J Rothwell,. § Barwick, in Elmet. 

|| Houghton, now called Glass-Houghton. 

% Probably the village now called Wentbridge, 

** Now called Burgh wallis. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 361 

He also gave two oxgangs of land in Feria, 
(or Ferrybridge;) and Roger Pictavus gave two 
parts of the tithe of grain in Altofts. Ilbert 
de Ramosvilla gave two parts of the tithes of 
grain, of his own land, in Chamsala. 

Ernnlphus gave also two parts of the tithe 
of grain in Prestona, (or Purston Jaglin;) and 
the same in Rovedena. 

Gilbert, the son of Dama, gave two parts of 
the tithe of grain in Stapiltona, and Rodulphus, 
the same in Thorpe-Audlin, and the tithe of 
the mill there. 

Radulphus, the son of Edelina de Stubs, near 
Enecelam gave two parts of the tithe of grain; 
and one Cheini the same out of his demesne. 

Henry de Lacy gave one half of the tithe 
of Seel broke. 

William Pictavus gave two parts of the tithe 
of grain in Scaliella. 

Ansgotus Ruff us gave the same in Hanpole, 
and Girardus de Ramosvilla gave the half part 
of his own tithe in Smeadetona; and Gerbadus 
two parts of the tithe of one carucate in Fry- 
stona. 

Umfrid de Villeio also gave two parts of 
the tithe of the corn in Snetela, and Newtonia*. 

Robert de Somerville gave the third part of 
one carucate of land in Seacroft f. 

* The villages ot Smithals and Newton. 

f It appears from these grants that the proprietors of land 
considered tithes as personal property, and gave them in what 
proportion and to what place they thought proper. At this 
period it is evident parish churches only received such tithes 
as were freely granted, and had. no claim to any portion of 
tithes arising from other lands within the parish. In process 
•f time the church extended her claims, and by degrees suc- 

a a a * 



362 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

This chapel was collegiate and free*, and 
governed by a dean. It is said to have had 
three prebends* In the charter of Ilbert, the 
son of Robert de Lacy, two persons are only 
mentioned, Kanulphus Grammaticus and God- 
fridus, the presbiter; and in the rental no prebend 
is mentioned, but that of the son of Theobald 
de Luce. This chapel was given by the founder 
to the priory* 

At the ,disolution of the priory, an inventory 
was taken of the goods, ornaments and plate, 
belonging to this chapel. The goods were va- 
lued at two pounds eight shillings and tenpence; 
and the plate used in celebrating divine service, 
at four pounds fourteen shillings and eightpence. 

The rental of the deanry is stated to have 
been twenty-two pounds twelve shillings and seven- 
pence f. A part of the tithes which belonged 
to the deanry, within the parish of Pontefract, 
are now in the possession of Bacon Frank, Esq. 
and covered by a modus. 

This chapel, in the sixteenth century, was in 
such a delapidated state that it was found neces- 
sary to rebuild it. Queen Elizabeth had the 
honour of this work. She completely rebuilt it, 
but suffered it to retain the name given at its 
dedication. 

ceeded in obtaining the tithes of the whole parish. Without 
any positive law, usage has .founded a right, on which the 
incumbent of every parish now demands his tenths. 

* Free chapels were places of religious worship exempt 
from the jurisdiction of the ordinary. They were mostly built 
upon the manors and ancient demesnes of the crown, whilst 
in the hands of the king, for the use of himself and retinue, 
when he came to reside there. When the crown parted with 
these estates the chapels went along with them, and retained 
their first freedom. 

t Certificate in the Augmentation office. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 363 

At the surrender of the castle, this chapel 
suffered the same fate with that fortress, and 
nothing now remains but the foundation, 

A Catalogue of the Deans of this Chapel. 

TEMP. DECANI CAPELLE. 

142. P js Tho. Wvkersley. 
14 c 2. M. John de Wayneflete, 

143. M. Joh. Thorneton. 

144. M. Joh. Lathom. 

15. . lac Thvvaytes, (obiit Oct. 1545.) 

As the deanry of Pontefract forms one of 
the ecclesiastical divisions of the county, it 
is deemed necessary to give the following list 
of the churches included within it *. 

The Names of the Parishes and Chapelries within 
Pontefract Deanry* 

Ackworth, Cumberworth Chap, 

Adlingfleet, Castleford, 

Almondbury, Calverley, 

Armin Chapelry, Crofton, 

Batley, Coley Chap. 

Birstall, Crostone Chap. 

Bradford, Chapelthorp Chap. 

Briars Chapelry, Carlton Chap. 

Cleckheaton Chap. Darrington, 

* Visitations are held annually within each deanry in the 
county; and at these visitations the clergy within the division 
are bound to attend. Ti^e visitations were formerly held 
here, but, to suit the convenience of the clergy, are now held 
at Wakefield, 



364- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



Dewsbury, 
East Ardsley, 
Em ley, 
Elland Chap. 
Featherston, 
Flockton Chap. 
Ferry-Fryston, 
Goole Chap. 
Flonley Chap. 
Haworth Chap. 
Flartishead: Chap. 
Huddersfield, 
Halifax, 

Holy Trinity, Halifax, 
Heptonstall Chap. 
Holmfirth Chap. 
Hooke Chap. 
Horbury Chap. 
Idle Chap. 
Illingworth Chap. 
Kirkburton, 
Kirkheaton, 
Kellington, 
Knottingley Chap. 
Lightcliffe Chap. 
Luddenden Chap. 
Longwood Chap. 
Marsden Chap. 
Meltham Chap. 



Morley Chap. "] 

Methley, 

Mirfield, 

Normanton, 

Osset Chap. 

Pudsey Chap. 

Ponrefract, 

Rastrick Chap. 

Ripponden Chap. 

Rothwell, 

Roecliffe Chap. 

Scammonden Chap. 

Slaithwaite Chap. 

Sowerby-Bridge Chap. 

Sowerby Chap. 

Sandal Magna. 

Snaith, 

Swinfleet Chap. 

Tong Chap. 

Thornhill, 

Thornton Chap. 

Wibsey Chap. 

Womersley, 

Warm field, 

Wragby, 

Woodkirk, 

Wakefield, 

St. John's, Wakefield, 

Whitgift. 



The Church of St. Giles. 

This church is mentioned as early as the 
time of Flenry I. in the charter of Hugh Dela- 
val ; and from circumstances noticed in the 




S* Giules 1 Chto-Cb: 




MAlRKBT-ClROSS 



l, s .f.-..T.«.li 



__ 



HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. 365 

charter, it must have been built some time before. 
A part of it is said to have belonged to the 
canons of St. Oswald, but he, by the hand of 
Archbishop Thurston, deprived the canons of 
their part, and gave the whole to the priory of 
St. John here. 

It is singular that the name given to this 
church in the above mentioned charter, is that 
of St. Mary. The same name is given to it 
in the will of William Hagwyk, as late as the 
beginning of the fifteenth century. As there 
was a chantry to s ,the blessed virgin, is this the 
reason why it is called by her name? Or is 
this the original name, and that of St. Giles 
only given to it, because situated near the 
ground where the annual fair was kept on St. 
Giles' day? 

Leland informs us that it was called St. Leo- 
nard's * in the frith, or wood ; from which it may 
be inferred that at the time of its erection, the 
town lay around the church of All-Saints. This 
must have been long anterior to the time of 
Leland, as he informs us that the fairest part 
of the town w 7 as here. In Delaval's charter it 
is called St. Mary de foro ; from which it fol- 
lows, that the markets and fairs were then held 
there. 

This church appears to have been originally 
of very small dimensions. It has been enlarged 
both in breadth and length. The south ile as 
well as the present chancel, seem to have been 
added to the original structure. The length of 
the church, from east to west, is forty-two yards 

* As no other writer has mentioned this name, it is pro- 
bably an error, and ought to have been St, Mary's. 



566 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and three quarters ; and the breadth, from north 
lo south, is eighteen yards and two feet. The 
old steeple was about seven yards square, and 
thirty-six yards high to the top of the spire. 
After the siege the ruined condition of the 
parish church of All-Saints, rendered it necessary 
to perform divine service in this of St. Giles; 
and from that period this church has undergone 
various alterations and improvements. It had 
only a small broach steeple without any bells, 
previous to the year 1707- At that period Sir 
Tho. Bland, of Kirjpax Park, the member for 
this borough, gratified his constituents by build- 
ing, at his own expence *, the steeple, which 
on account of its shattered state, was lately- 
pulled down and the present erected. 

This church is now in excellent repair, and 
its interior yields to few in neatness. The 
chancel has been lately ornamented with a fine 
painting by John Standish, a native of the 
town, and a self taught artist of eminent merit. 
The subject is the crucifixion; and as far as 
the pencil can realize the awful scene, it is 
here realized. The attitude of the Saviour, when 
he had yielded up the ghost, is finely conceived 
and well expressed. The groop of pious women, 
who stand around the cross, among whom Mary, 
our Lord's mother, is distinguished by her looks, 
and the poignancy of her sorrow, adds consi- 
derably to the effect, and the whole lives on 
the canvas. 

With all the improvements this church has 
received, it cannot bear a comparison with what 
the mother church of All-Saints once was. Con- 
* It cost him one hundred pounds. 



HISTORY OF POXTEFRACT. 367 

traded in its dimensions, and built without re- 
gard to any order of architecture, it bears, 
the steeple excepted, a strong resemblance to 
what a modern reverend author, in the abundance 
of his charity, calls a conventicle. The artist, 
or the man of ta^te, will find none of those sub- 
lime and awful impressions while contemplating 
this church, which he cannot fail to experience 
while beholding even the ruins of that of All Saints. 

The ordination of the vicarage has been no- 
ticed; and a list of the vicars down to the 
restoration of Charles II. has been given. Cir- 
cumstances which have occurred since that period, 
and which more properly regard this than the 
mother church, are now to be detailed. 

The church of All-Saints being deserted as 
a place of worship, and only used as a part of 
the burying ground, and this of St. Giles being 
appropriated to the use of the parish, was gene- 
rally considered as a parish church, and as en- 
joying all the rights of one. It had been usual 
for the different townships, within the parish, to 
contribute a proportionate sum annually, as a 
church assessment. Owing to some extraordinary 
expences, the township of Knottingley refused 
to pay this assessment, and a suit commenced 
between that township and Pontefract. After 
considerable sums of money had been spent by 
both parties, and much ill will excited, it was 
found that the assessment in dispute, though 
purporting on the face of it to be for repairing 
the parish church, was actually applied to re- 
pair that of St. Giles; but as such application 
could not be supported by law, the contend- 
ing parlies entered into an agreement, in which 



368 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

it was stipulated that the township of Knot- 
tingley should for ever hereafter pay the sum 
of twelve pounds annually, to the churchwardens 
of Pontefract, and that this sum should never 
be increased. 

This trial discovered to the parish its humi- 
liating condition. Its parish church was in ruins, 
and never likely to be restored. It had a church, 
but it was not the parish church; and could 
not enjoy the same sanctity, rights and privi- 
vileges. The parishioners could not be compelled 
to pay the assessment for the repairs and sup- 
.port of the church. It was happy for the 
parishioners that the parliament possesses that 
plenitude of power, that it can, by its sole act, 
consecrate or desecrate; can raise a church from 
a state of insignificance and dependence, to the 
privilege and honour of being the head of a 
parish. To this power application was made, 
and the poor despised church of St. Giles* in 
the wood, was by act of parliament, the 29th 
George III, constituted the parish church of 
Pontefract. 

The uncertainty of the law has become pro- 
verbial, but in no case is the uncertainty of it 
more apparent than in respect to tithes. As 
the right to tithes is founded on usage and 
prescription, which are in some things contra- 
dictory, in others obscure, and in many uncer- 
tain, hence have arisen those feuds and litiga- 
tions respecting tithes between a parish and the 
incumbent, which often continue for years, and 
at last are terminated without satisfaction to 
either party. When the usage is best established, 
the desire of the incumbent, on the one part, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 369 

and a spirit of resistance, on the other, which 
the parish displays, produce the same unhappy 
effects. In some cases rather than enter into 
a contest the parish submits, and thus new 
customs and usages arise and become established. 

The above reflections naturally arise, on 
considering the claims which have been made 
by successive vicars of this parish. 

In a statement given in at the visitation by 
the most reverend Father in God John, by di- 
vine providence, Lord Archbishop of York, and 
Primate of England and Metropolitan, Oct. 10, 
1684, the churchwardens of this parish describe 
the property of th<s vicar, and the dues which he 
had a right to claim, in the following manner. 

" Our present vicar, Mr. Francis Drake, 
hath a good convenient Vicarage, with gardens 
and orchards at the back of it. Also one acre 
close, more or less according to our estimation, 
called the vicarage close. Also an house ad- 
joining the chapel of St. Giles, and fronting 
the cross. Also a stable fronting the chancel 
door." 

" As oblations twopence a communicant, and 
all above sixteen years old. Our vicar hath 
twopence for every pound wage a servant hath} 
and for a 

Messuage, 3d. Pigeons, every tenth, 

Cottage, 2d. Dove manure, every tenth 
Garden, \d % met, 

Reek, ob. Plow, 6d. 

Bees, in kind or comp. Wool, in kind, 

Foles, 6d. Lambs, in kind, 

Cows, Id. each, Ducks, in kind, 

b b b y 



370 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Calves, ob. Orchards, in kind, 

Pigs, in kind, Licorice, in kind if not 

Line, in kind, compounded with du- 

Rape, in kind, ring his time, 

Liens, 3d. Hemp, in kind. 

Surplice Fees. 

BURIALS. MARRIAGES. 

The Cross He, 6s. Sd. With bans published, 
The Chancel, 10s. 2s. 6d. 

In the Churchyard, 9^. With Licence, 5s. 
Body of the church, 2s.6d. Churchings of Women, 
All Mortuaries accord- their offerings." 
ing to statute. 

" Twenty shillings per annum for preaching 
two sermons on Mayday and All-Saints, ac- 
cording to the will of Mr. Robert Moore." 

<e He doth and may receive all other tithes, 
dues and oblations, as licorice, rape, &c, in 
kind, or if he please compound during his time, 
except hay and com only." 

, Signed by 

Matthew Sefton, Ferry- F. Drake, Vicar, 

bridge, Sam.Willan,^ 

Thomas Jackson, Tho, Taylor, (_. , >. 

T ., T T oi -11- > Churchwardens, 

John Lee, Jar. Shilhto, C 

Roger Jesop, Knotting. Jam. Hurst, ) 

In the statements given in by the church- 
wardens, at the visitations of the primate, from 
the above date down to a late period, there is 
observable a variation and a gradual increase in 
the claims of the vicars. By a claim delivered 
to the parish, dated vestry April 26, 1796, the 
present vicar claimed the following dues. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 371 

For every messuage, 6d.< Gardens, per acre 10s. 

For each person above Nursery and seed ground, 

sixteen years old, Sd. per acre 10s. 

For each pound in ser- Cabbages, for feeding 

vants' wages, Id. cattle, per acre 7s. 6d. 

For each pigeon cote, 5s. Rapes, each pound in 

7s. 6d. or 10s. accord- price, Is. 6d. 

ing to value, Do. when eaten, p. acre 3s. 

For each cow, 3d. Hemp and line,per acre 5j. 

Eor each calf, Id. Potatoes, per acre 5s. 

For each litter of pigs, Clover Seed and wood,each 

Qs. 6d. pound in price, Is. 6d. 

For each foal, !-*. Turnips according to value 

For each turkey, Id. or per acre 3s. 

Goose, Id. For each Lamb, 6d. 

Duck, \d. For each fleece of wool, Qd. 

For each plow, 6d. For each acre of pasture, 

Orchards Is. in the allowing for the suste- 

pound, price or value, nance of profitable 

Licorice 1.9. in the pound, stock. 3s. 
price or value, 

On presenting the above statement a consi- 
derable degree of irritation was excited. It was 
obvious that some of the dues claimed were 
wholly unsupported by previous usage and cus- 
tom, such as agistment tithe, clover seed, nur- 
sery and seed ground ; and that ot Tiers were 
considerably augmented, as houses, closes, gar- 
dens and turnips. It is not surprising lhat the 
parishioners should feel inclined to resist such 
claims; but considering the expence and uncer- 
tainty of litigations of this nature, the leading 
gentlemen deemed it most prudent to adopt 
conciliatory measures; and finally to determine 



372 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

all disputes, it was agreed to obtain an act of 
parliament, by which the claims of the rectory, 
deanry and vicarage should be regulated in fu- 
ture. Accordingly the different parties agreed 
to receive certain sums of money in lieu of 
their respective claims; which sums are always to 
be regulated by the average price of corn for 
the last seven years, as will appear by the follow- 
ing extract from the act, entitled 

An Act for Dividing, Allotting, and Inclosing 
certain Open and intermixed Lands and Grounds, 
within the Township of Pcntefract, in the West 
Riding of the County of York, and making Com- 
pensation for the Great Tithes cf the said 
Lands and other Lands in the Townships of 
Pontefract, Tanshelf and Carleton, within the 
Painsh of Pontefract, and also for the Vicarial 
tithes of the said Parish. 

" It was enacted that the tithes of corn, 
grain, and hay, and tithes of every denomi- 
nation whatsoever, moduses or other pay- 
ments in lieu of tithes, arising within the town- 
ships of Pontefract, Tanshelf, and Carleton, 
due and payable to Lord Hare wood, should 
cease and be for ever extinguished, and that in 
lieu thereof there should be paid to him, in 
the nature of corn rents, the sum of one hun- 
dred and fifty pounds per annum ; also that the 
tithes of corn and grain, and tithes of every 
denomination whatsoever, belonging to Lord 
Hare wood and Bacon Frank, Esq. arising from 
and within a certain disputed district of land, 
should also cease and be for ever extinguished, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 373 

and that in lieu thereof there should be paid 
such yearly sum of money per acre, in the na- 
ture of corn rents, as should be equal upon an 
average to the other rents payable to the said 
Lord Hare wood in lieu of tithes within the said 
Townships of Pontefract and Tanshelf, and that 
for the purpose of ascertaining such sums of 
money or corn rents, the commissioners should 
value all lands and grounds within the town- 
ships of Pontefract, Tanshelf, and Carleton, and 
by their award declare what proportion the 
lands and grounds within each of the said town- 
ships of Pontefract, Tanshelf, and Carleton, 
should raise and pay in a gross sum ; and then 
rate such lands and grounds according to the 
proportion of the said annual sums which the 
township wherein such lands and grounds are 
situate should be declared to raise and pay; 
and should in their said award ascertain and 
set forth what quantity of wheat would amount 
and be equal to the said yearly sums distinguish- 
ing the quantity of such wheat payable by each 
township ; and then apportion, settle, and ascer- 
tain the respective annual sums of money or 
corn rents at the rate per acre, which each and 
every proprietor of lands and grounds should 
or ought, upon such valuation, to be charged 
and chargeable with : And that an annual sum 
of two hundred and seventy pounds, free from 
all taxes and deductions whatsoever, should be 
assessed and raised in like manner, and paid to 
the vicar of the said parish for the time being, 
in lieu of and as a full compensation for the 
vicarial or small tithes, of every denomination, 
belonging to the vicar, and Easter offerings -> 



374 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and that the said commissioners should make a 
valuation of all houses and lands in Pontefract, 
Tans h elf, Carleton, Knottingley, East Hard wick, 
Spittle Hardwick, and Monkhill, and in such 
part of Ferrybridge as lies within the said parish 
of Pontefract, and should apportion, settle, ascer- 
tain, and assess the respective annual sums of 
money which each owner and proprietor of such 
houses, and lands ought to be charged with, and 
should then ascertain and declare what quantity 
of wheat should be equivalent to the proportion 
of the said annual sum which each respective 
owner and proprietor of houses and lands should 
by such award be assessed to pay, in lieu and 
full satisfaction and compensation of all vicarial 
or small tithes, and Easter offerings thereby ex- 
tinguished." 

According to the purport and intention of 
the above act commissioners were appointed, 
a va! tuition of the parish was made, and the 
following award rendered final. 

The commissioners, on inquiry, found that 
the average price of wheat, for the fourteen 
years preceding the passing of this act, was six 
shillings and three halfpence per bushel, and 
that 490te, \p. 5lqts. would be equal to one 
hundred and fifty pounds, the sum to be paid 
to Lord Harewood, in lieu of his rectorial tithes, 
which they proportioned amongst the several 
townships in the parish as follows, 





Bus. p. qts. 


£. 


% d. 


Pontefract, - 


- 203 Vi 


or 62 


2 4 


Monkhill, 


3 51 


or 


,5 8 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 375 

Bus. p. qts. £. s. d. 

Tanshelf, - - 76 2 6 or 23 9 
Carleton, - - 209 3 1 or 64 3 

490 TTi < £\50~~0~b 



They also settled that the said disputed dis- 
trict should raise eighty three bushels and seven 
quarts, equal in value, at the rate aforesaid, to 
twenty-five pounds eight shillings and ninepence, 
which they awarded as follows, 

Bus. p. qts. £. s. d. 

To Lord Hare wood, 71 3 II or 21 19 
To Bacon Frank, Esq. 11 1 5i or 3 9 9 

83 7 ,£25 8 9 



These commissioners also awarded that eight 
hundred and seventy-three bushels one peck 
and three pints of wheat would be equal to 
two hundred and seventy pounds, the sum 
agreed to be paid to the vicar, in lieu of his 
vicarial tithes and Easter offerings, which they 
spread over all the houses and lands in the pa- 
rish, each township bearing the following pro- 
portions, 





Bus. s. 


qts. 




£. s. 


d. 


Pontefract, - 


401 


71 


or 


124 10 


11 


Tanshelf, 


79 1 


2§ 


or 


24 9 


2 


Carleton, 


100 


41 


or 


30 17 


6 


Knotringley, 


186 3 


3i 


or 


57 12 


2 


East. Hard wick, - 


51 2 


4 


or 


15 \S 


2 


Settle H.rrhvick, 


33 





or 


\0 1 


9 


Port of Eery bridge, 


17 1 


9,1 


or 


4 6 


10 


Monkeill, - 


3 3 


21 


or 

4 


1 5 


6 




873 I 


2x 


£270 






376 HISTORY OF FONTEFRACT. 

A List of Vicars since the Restoration, 

Temp. Instit. Vicarii. Patroni. Vacat. 

12 Junii, 1661. Sam. Drake, CI. Rex. C. 2. p. mort 

22 Jan. 1678. Francis Drake, A. M. Idem. p. mort. 

.19 Oct. 1719. John Drake, S. T. B. Rex. G. 1. p. mort. 

6 Dec, 1742. Timothy Lee, A. M. Rex. G. 2. p. resig. 

10 Jan. 1744. John Sturdy, A, B. Rex. G. 2. p. mort. 

llJulh, 1777. Thomas Heron. Rex. G. 3. 

Chantry, or Church oj St. Thomas. 

This church was erected on the very spot 
where the Earl of Lancaster was beheaded. 
No part of the building remains. The site may 
yet however be distinguished in the close, through 
which a footpath leads to .Frystone, on the hill 
which still retains the name of the saint, and 
which will most probably convey it down to 
the latest posterity. 

Judging from the site, this church appears to 
have been of small dimensions; but from the 
opulence of the family to whose honour it was 
raised, there can be no doubt of its elegance 
and interior decorations. 

The chantry was founded on the 20th of 
November, 1361. in memory of Thomas Earl 
of Lancaster, who had been a considerable be- 
nefactor to the priory, by the archbishop of 
York; who ordained that the prior and convent 
should find a secular chaplain to celebrate in 
the chapel, newly erected on the mount of 
Pontefract, every day for the soul of St. Thomas, 
which chaplain should in future be presented by 
the said religious, a month after the first notice 
of any vacation, and that the said chaplain 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 377 

should have for his support the sum of one 
hundred shillings per annum, paid by the said 
prior quarterly. 

And on the 24th May, 1373, John Arch- 
bishop of York confirmed the ordination of the 
chantry, in the chapel upon the hill, against 
Pontefract, founded by Symon Symeon, by con- 
sent of the priory and convent of Pontefract, 
&c. which said Symon appointed this perpetual 
chantry, consisting of one monk to celebrate in 
the said chapel upon the hill, whereon Thomas, 
]ate Earl of Lancaster, was beheaded, for 
his soul and the souls of Elizabeth his wife, 
and of John and Henry, Dukes of Lancaster, 
which should be called the chantry of Symon 
Symeon, and wherein there shall be one monk 
of the said priory, assigned by the prior and 
convent, to celebrate masses and divine offices 
in the same, &c. 

For whose sustentation he gave in frank 
almoigne, to the said priory and convent all 
his messuages, tenements, land and rents, which 
he had in the town of Kothwell, viz. one mes- 
suage and twenty-four acres of land. And in 
Oulton one messuage and twenty acres of land. 

And in augmentation thereunto, John Duke 
of Lancaster, &c. gave five messuages and sixteen 
oxgangs of land in Midelton, juxta Rothwell. 

All which was likewise confirmed by the 
chapter of York, May 2o, 1373. 

The religious (as the monks were called) do 
not appear to have been satisfied with the ap- 
pointment of a secular priest to celebrate in this 
Chapel, nor with the ordination which im- 
posed on them the sum specified for his sup- 
c c c * 



37$ HISTORY OF PONTE-FRACT. 

port. On the 12th January, 1418, a new ordi- 
nation was made, that instead of a secular priest 
a monk of the said monastery should be placed 
here to celebrate, and who should only receive 
the sum of forty shillings per annum from the 
same house *. 

A Catalogue of the Chantry Priests, 

Temp. Instit. Cappellani Canit. Patroni. Vacat. 

7 Dec. 1361. Dns. Joh. F.yther, Cap. P&CdeP.p.resig. 

13 Mar. 1367. Dns. Joh. Thorparch, Pr. Iidem. 

1 Maii, 1381. Dns. Tho. Spellar de Acorn Cap. Iidem. p.mort» 
6 Julii, 1409. Dns. Will. Sunnyng, Pr. Iidem. p.resig. 

16 Maii, 141 2. Dns. Rob. Killeston. Iidem. 

St* Nicholas' Hospital. 

This hospital existed before the conquest, 
but by whom built or endowed does not appearf. 

Robert de Lacy, or, as he is also called, 
Robert de Pontefract, was a considerable bene- 
factor to the hospital, in the time of Henry I. 
and has by some writers been considered the 
founder of it ; but it is clear that it was 
built before this period, as the Cluniac monks, 
who were brought here in the preceeding reign, 
resided in it till their own house was fit for their 
reception. He gave to the monks the warden- 
ship of this hospital. 

Henry de Lacy, son of Robert, confirmed 
the grant of the hospital to the priory, for the 
use of the poor ; and granted to the monk, 
who should have the custody of it, one mark 
of silver, twelve hopes of bread corn, and twenty- 
four of oats, on the feast of St. Alartin, yearly. 

* Torre's MSS. Collect. f Leland's Itin. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 379 

III the eighth of Edward I. the king granted 
free warren to Robert Woodhouse, the keeper 
of this hospital, in certain lands within the ter- 
ritory of Castleford, which privilege was after- 
wards given to the canons of Nostall. 

In the thirtieth of Edward III. Henry Duke 
of Lancaster granted the gift of a certain livery 
to the two recluses in the house of St. Helen, 
in Pontefract, called the Blanch Liveries, which 
belonged to his donation, as lord of the honour 
of Pontefract, to be paid every day out of this 
hospital, for the finding of a priest to celebrate 
divine service in the chapel of St. Helen for 
ever*. 

In the eighteenth of Henry VI. 1438, the 
king, by letters patent which were confirmed by 
the whole of the parliament, gave this hospital 
to the prior of Nostall, with the advowson 
and all the estates thereto belonging, amounting 
to ninety-seven pounds thirteen shillings and ten 
pence per annum, to be converted to their own 
use, the canons paying out of the profits thereof, 
to the king and his heirs, as Dukes of Lancas- 
ter, twenty marks per annum. They maintained 
here till the dissolution a chaplain and thirteen 

* Dudg. Bar. It appears from what Dugdale has related, 
that the house dedicated to St. Helen was only the habitation 
of two recluses. Tradition has not even conve)ed the name 
of this house, much less the particular spot where it stood, 
down to posterity. Two closes, in the commission of enquiry 
respecting the tithes belonging to the deanry, made in the 
reign of Henry VIII. are called St. Helen's Flats, and ap- 
pear, from the boundaries specified, to join the township of 
Darrington. Was the habitation of these recluses situated 
here? This is not improbable, and will account for the name 
imposed on these flats. 



380 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

poor people. Their revenue is stated at that 
time to be the same as above mentioned. 

A Catalogue of the Wardens of this Hospital. 

Temp. Instit. Magri. Hosp. Patroni. Vacat, 

Dns. Tho. Tawton. P.&C.deP. p.mort, 

10 Mail, 1435. Dns. Will. Bothe, CI, Rex.H.4. 

Dns. Tho. Toveton. 
M. Will. Bothe 

After the dissolution of the religious houses 
by King Henry VIII. this place seems to 
have been entirely neglected, and its purposes 
and institution much perverted and abused, 
which caused the corporation to endeavour to 
obtain powers for its better government and re- 
gulation, and in the charter granted by King 
James, in the year J 60.5, there is a clause for 
vesting it in the corporation *. 

By a deed, dated Sep. 19, 1650, made be- 
tween Thomas Cook and twenty-four other 
gentlemen, appointed trustees by an act of par- 
liament passed for selling the fee farm rents be- 
longing to the commonwealth of England, for^ 
merly payable to the crown of England, duchy 
of Lancaster and duchy of Cornwall, or any 
five or more of them, on the one part, and 
Matthew Frank, Robert Frank, John Scurr and 
others, comburgesses of the borough of Ponte- 
fract, on the other part. In consideration of 
eight hundred and twelve pounds seventeen 
shillings and threepence halfpenny paid to the 
said trustees, by the said comburgesses, the. said 
trustees granted several sums of money to be 
paid yearly for ever, to such persons as were 
* See Charter, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 381 

therein named, out of divers fee farm rents, pay- 
able for divers houses and lands, in Winterset, 
Crofton, and West Hardwick; and all that 
tenement called Saint ingley Grange, &c, and 
all other lands, tenements, meadow-fields, and 
pastures belonging or appertaining to the late 
monastery of St. Oswald, at Nostel, &c. Also 
all the rectory of Clifton* with all the tithes 
of hay, grain, pullets, eggs, hens, and ducks in 
Clifton aforesaid. Also all the tithe of grain of 
East Hard wick Roods, being a ^parcel of the 
rectory of Pontefract, &c. viz. (amongst others) 

£. s. d. 

To the curate of this hospital, - - 5 

To eleven poor people £\.§s. 8 d. a year, 14 13 4 

To two servants to attend the poor people, 4 

Mr. Edward Holcots gave the annual sum of 
twenty shillings, ' to be paid out of the rents 
and profits of a close in Bailygate, late Mr. 
Richard Saltonstalls -, this twenty shillings is paid 
every old Christmas day. 

The following lands also belong to this hos- 
pital. 

Eight half acres of land lying in Ferrybridge 
Field, with a stone at the end of each marked 
N. H. now rented by Mr. Peter Dunhill. 

A garden at the back of this hospital, and 
two other parcels of land lying east of the 
brewery, near the castle, late in the occupation 
of "William Need ham. 

December 29, 1671, Mr. Nicholas Stables, 
by his will, gave to the poor of this hospital 
thirty shillings yearly, to be paid out of the 
tithes of Blind Hardvvick, on every Christmas- 



382 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

eve for ever; and on the 11th Feb. 1704, Mr. 
William Stables, by his will also, gave a farther 
sum of twenty shillings out of the above tithes. 

April 4, 1748, Mr. William Stables, having 
sold the said tithes to Lord Gallway free from 
the above incumbrances, he by deed in lieu of 
and in full satisfaction for the said fifty shillings, 
granted and conveyed to the mayor, aldermen, 
and burgesses, and their successors, a yearly 
rent of fifty shillings, issuing and payable 
out of certain closes, called Baghill Closes, in 
Pontefract, free from all Deductions whatsoever, 
in trust nevertheless for the poor of St. Nicho- 
las* hospital, to be paid yearly at Christmas, 
with power to distrain on nonpayment. 

Also a reserved rent of fifteen shillings per 
annum, paid by the vicar out of the rents and 
profits of a close at Darrington, exchanged with 
the Reverend Mr. Drake for a house near St. 
Giles* church, now pulled down. 

June 8, 1673. Mr. Thomas Sayle, of Pon- 
tefract, chandler, by his will gave one hundred 
pounds towards rebuilding and reedifying this 
hospital, which was done soon after. 

Lazar House. 

In the fourteenth of Edward I, 1286, Henry 
de Lacy built a Lazar House here, and dedi- 
cated it to St. Mary Magdalene. The order 
of St Lazarus, of Jerusalem, seems to have 
been founded for the relief and support of lepers 
and impotent persons of the military order. 

Archbishop John Romain granted an indul- 
gence to all those who contributed to the relief 
of the lepers therein. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 333 

It appears probable that the hospital called 
Frank's Hospital is either the Lazar House, or 
has been built on the site of it. The figure of 
a knight, cut in stone, in the wall, nearly as 
big as life, seems to justify this conclusion. 
This figure is now much defaced; the arms have 
been broken off and the head nearly destroyed. 

Knolles', or Trinity, Hospital and College. 

This hospital and college was founded in 
the reign of the unfortunate Richard II. by Sir 
Robert Knolles, a gentleman as illustrious for 
his valour and military achievements, as for his 
liberality to the indigent, and his regard to the 
claims of piety*. According to Leland, he had 

* This family is of Saxon origin, and the name derived 
from the term Knoll, a hill, where some of the race resided. 
In the reign of Edward III. Robert Knolles was considered 
as one of the best generals of the age, and the honour and 
glory of the country. In 1350, he was sent into France with 
an army, where he drove the French before him like sheep, 
overwhelming their towns and cities in such numbers, that 
years after the sharp points, and gable ends of overthrown 
houses, cloven asunder with instruments of war, were com- 
monly called Knolles' mitres. The French styled him Le veri- 
table Demon de Guerre, or the true thunderbolt of war. He 
"was made Senescal of Guienne, by Edward, and commissioned 
to assist John de Montfbrt, in the duchy of Bretagne, in 
which service he was completely successful: and was ap- 
poined Lieutenant of Bretagne, and rewarded with a fine estate 
in the duchy by Mont or t. He assisted the Black Prince in 
the conquest of Aquitain. He afterwards joined the Prince of 
Angaulesme, and drove the French to the gates of Paris. 

In the midst of all his successes, a combination of young 
noblemen, who envied his renown and talents, was formed 
against him ; and all the arts of intrigue, calumn> and misre- 
presentation, w r ere made use of to withdraw the favour of the 
prince from him. False accusations were brought against him 



384 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT* 

intended to erect it on his manor of Scoulthorp, 
three miles from Walsingham, but influenced 
"by the desire of his lady, he changed his inten- 
tion, and to do her the greater honour, erected 
it on the very spot where she was born. 

Whatever might be the respect and honour 
Sir Robert intended to confer on his lady by 
this act of piety, the above mentioned historian 
has left a stain on her memory, by describing 
her as a woman of mean birth, of loose morals, 
of unchaste and dissolute conduct. Meanness of 
birth is not imputable to any one as a crime; nor 
can descent from respectable ancestors be con- 
sidered as a virtue; it can only properly be 
accounted a blessing. A lady destitute of the 
virtues of modesty, chastity and rectitude, justly 
forfeits the respect due to her sex; and how- 
ever elevated her rank, her vices will cover her 
name with reproach. Let us hope the historian 
has ^retailed scandal, and that the meanness o^ 
Lady Robert Knolles' birth, gave occasion to 
a censorious world to charge her with crimes 
of which she never was guilty. 

The charter of the foundation of this house 

for embe2zling the public property, and which, by the inquiry 
instituted, tended more to his fame and his honour, than to 
his disgrace. 

After being covered with glory as a conqueror, he retired 
to his family residence, and on the accession of Richard II. 
he was honoured with the order of the garter. In the tumult 
excited by Watt Tyler, which threatened to subvert the go- 
vernment, Sir Robert was one of those, whose prudence, cou- 
rage, and good conduct, contributed essentially to preserve 
the king, and to subdue and disperse the enraged populace. 
The city of London enfranchised him a member thereof, in 
expression of their gratitude for the service he had rendered 
on this occasion. Kimber's Baronetage. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFKACT. 385 

Was granted on the 30th April, 1385. It is 
called a chantry or college, and intended to 
contain seven chaplains or fellows, one of which 
to be appointed warden. Also an almshouse or 
hospital adjoining, dedicated to the Holy Trinity 
and Blessed Virgin Mary, " for two clerks and 
thirteen poor persons, so made by mischance or 
scarcity, and two servitors to attend them." 

In consequence of the charter and licence of 
King Richard II. Sir Robert Knolles and Con- 
stance his wife, obtained a like licence of John, 
King of Castile, and Duke of Lancaster, Lord 
of the Soil, to purchase of Thomas Shirwood one 
messuage in Pontefract, on the site of which 
this collegiate house was built, and dedicated 
to the honour of the Holy Trinity. 

The founders liberally endowed the college 
and the hospital. They granted to the custos, 
master, or warden, the sum of twenty marks 
per annum, ten to each of the seven chaplains, 
and five to each of the clerks, for their main- 
tenance and support. The sum of thirty-four 
pounds four shillings and fourpence halfpenny 
was allotted to the thirteen poor persons, and 
the two servitors in the hospital; and it was 
ordered that every one should receive out of 
this sum three halfpence per day, for his sup- 
port. They also appointed fourpence to be 
paid to each of the said poor, and their ser- 
vitors, on each of the ten principal feasts. — The 
feasts of the Holy Trinity, Christmas, Easter, 
Pentecost, All-Saints, and the five feasts of the 
Blessed Virgin. 

The founders, not satisfied with providing for 
the comfortable subsistence of the poor, granted 
D d d . * 



386 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

ten marks per annum, for their clothing and 
other necessaries, to be equally divided among 
them. They allowed to the two servants, for 
their attendance, the sum of twenty-five shillings 
and eightpence per annum. 

They assigned for the endowment of this 
bouse, after the decease of either of the said 
founders, one hundred and two pounds ten shil- 
lings, issuing out of their lands and tenements 
in London; appointing the residue of the value 
of these lands and tenements, to be yearly ap- 
propriated to the use of this house, in repairs 
and buildings. 

They also ordained, that the master, chap- 
lains, clerks, the poor and their servants should 
receive a pittance of six shillings and eightpence, 
on the day of either of their anniversaries. 

Also they willed that the prior and canons 
of Nostal, and their successors should enjoy 
the right of presentation to the wardenship of 
this college; and that they should present on 
every vacation a fit chaplain within the space of 
fifteen days* 

It was likewise appointed that the master 
should have a seal appropriated to his office, 
whereon should be engraven a rose, and the 
image of the Holy Trinity. This ordination 
was confirmed by Richard, Archbishop of York, 
on the 5th Oct, 1404. 

This college and hospital was built in a style 
suitable to the purposes for which it was in- 
tended. A considerable part of the buildings 
still remain, and give some faint idea of what 
it once was. The place now called the galle- 
ries was the residence of the master of the col- 
lege and the six chaplains. Each had his sepa- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 387 

rate chamber or cell, where he could retire for 
the purpose of devotion; and like other reli- 
gious houses, it is probable there was a com- 
mon refectory, or dining room, where they 
all met together. 

What are now called the brother and sister 
houses must have been the hospital, where the 
poor were provided with every comfort, and the 
sorrows of old age were alleviated by the kind 
hand of charity. 

The church was on a small scale, but ap- 
pears to have been a neat, if not an elegant 
structure. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, it 
was esteemed peculiarly sacred; and here the 
wardens, chaplains, clerks, and poor, united in 
their daily devotions. What was once hallowed 
is now become profane; and the place where 
the sacrifice of the mass was offered, and where 
the Holy Virgin was worshipped, where the reli- 
gious, by their interest with heaven, delivered 
souls from purgatory, is now degraded to a shed 
for cattle. 

At the suppression of religious houses, the 
revenue of this house, according to Speed, was 
one hundred and eighty-two pounds thirteen shil- 
lings and sevenpence*; and Sancroft, M. S. 

* It was endowed by the grant of a manor in Burnham- 
Overy; the Lordship of Dunton and Doketon, and the advow- 
son of the vicarage ; of Hanvilles manor, in Kellestone ; of the 
manor and advowson of the rectory of Sculthorp; of a water- 
mill and lands in Sheerwood ; of the manor of Talterford, and 
of lands in Tattervile, all in the county of Norfolk. Bloom- 
field's Norfolk. 

In London thirty-four shops, in the parish of St. Mary 
on the hill, belonged also to this hospital, as well as land 
in Pontefract and Darrington. Tan. N. 

In Pontefract six acres of meadow, in Potwells, belonged 
to this house. 



3S-S 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



Valor, saith there were at that time a master, 
six brethren, and a sacrist. Willis asserts, that 
the master and five fellows enjoyed pensions. 

A Catalogue of the Masters of this Hospital. 



Temp. Instit. 


Custodes Domus. 


Patron i. 


Vacat. 




Dns. Joh. de Newthorp, alias P.&C.deN 


.p.resig. 




Studeman. 






17 Maii, 1410. 


Dns. Joh. de Stretton, Pr. 


lidem. 


p.mort, 


18 [unii, 1418. 


Dns. Alex. Rawden, Cap. 


C.A.p.lap 


. p.mort, 


18 Dec. 1419. 


Dns. Joh. Cudworth. 


P.&C.deN. 


10 Mar. 1447. 


M, Joh. Latbome, 


Iidem. 


p.resig. 


28 Jan. 1467. 


Dns. Jac. Clapeham, Cap. 


Iidem. 


p.mort 


17 Junii, 1494. 


Dns. Rob. Cooke, Cap. 


Iidem. 


p.mort. 


tilt. Apr. 1513. 


Dns, Tho. Baghill, Pr. 


Iidem. 


p.mort. 


4 Jan. 1524. 


M. Tho. Huchon, L. B. 
[chantries. 


Iidem. 


p.resig. 



Besides the master there were six chantries 
of seven chaplains in this hospital, each pre- 
sentable by the founder Sir .Robert Knolles, and 
after his decease by the master of the college, 
for the time being, and brethren thereof 



A Catalogue of the first Chaplains* 

Temp. Instit. Capellani Imi. Patroni. Vacat. 

20 Aug. 1397. Dns. Will. Spycer, Cap. D.R.N.Mil.p.mort, 

20 Mar. 1 42 1 . Dns. Joh. Sadylworth, Pr, M. & C. D, 

5 Dec. 1419. Dns. Joh. Wyles, Pr. Iidem. p.mort. 

7 Apr. 1462. Dns. Ric. Blackburn, Cap. Iidem. p.mort. 

10 Nov. 1467. Dns. Joh. Botall, Cap. Iidem. p.mort, 

9 Junii, 1486. Dns. Tho. Baghill, Pr. Jidera. p.dismis. 

13 Maii, 1513. Dns. Will. Cubberd. Pr. Iidem. p.resig. 

15 Mar. 1515. Dns. Jac. Tutyll, Cap. Iidem. p.resig. 

2 Julii, 1517, Dns. Joh. Parkyn, Cap. 



HISTORY OF PONTETIUCT. 



•i 89 



Temp. 



20 Aug 



Instit. 
1397. 
14 Oct. 1423. 
2S Junii, 1464. 
J 8 Feb. 1467. 
28 Maii, 1484. 
27julii, 1494. 

13 Jan. 1524. 



The Second. 

Capellani 2di. 

Dns. Joh. Parlyngton. 
Dns. Joh. Pounteireyt, Pr. 
Dns. Jac. Clapham, Pr. 
Dns. Joh. Sokburn, Cap. 
Dns. Robert Cooke, Pr. 

Dns, Tho. Grone, Cap. 

M. Tho. Hochon. 

Dns. Rog. Marshall, Pr. 



Patroni. Vacat. 

D.R.N.Mil. 
M.&C.Col. 



lidem. 
Iidem. 
Iidem. 
Iidem. 
Iidem. 
Iidem. 



p.resig. 

p.dismis. 

p.resig. 

p.resig. 



The Third. 



Temp Tnstit. Capellani Stii. Patroni. 

20 Nov. 1398. Dns. Alex. Rawden. R. K. Mil. 

£8 Junii, 1418. Dns. Joh. Cudeworth, Pr. M. & C. 

20 Dec. 1419. Dns. Joh. White, Pr. Iidem. 

16 Feb. 1447. M. Joh. Lathum. Iidem. 

Dns. Will. Foster. Iidem. 

20 Jan. 1483. Dns. Joh. Sokeburn, Cap. Iidem. 

26julii, 1481. Dns.Joh. Burton, Pr. Iidem. 

22 Dec. 1526. Dns. Walt. Brown, Pr. Iidem. 

19 Maii, 1529. Dns Edm. Gibson, Pr. Iidem. 



Vacat. 
p.resig. 



p.mort 
p.resig. 
p.morL 
p.resig. 



The Fourth. 



Temp. Instit. 
12 Nov. 1392. 
4 Feb. 1446. 
18 Dec. 1453. 
4 Maii, 1468. 
16 Oct. 1488. 

2 Oct. 1505. 



Capellani 4ti. 
Dns. Will. Hall. 
Dns. Joh. Cooke, Pr. 
Dns. Robert Falne, Cap. 



Patroni. Vacat 

D.R.K. 

M.&F.&C 
Iidem. p.resig. 



Dns. Joh. Leyes vel Lete, Cap. Iidem. p.mort. 
Dns. Joh. Blake, Cap. Col. p. Lap. 

Dns. Robert Moxon. M.&C.&c.p.mort, 

Dns, Tho. Howthon, Pr. Iidem. 



Temp. Instit. 
13 Nov. 1398. 
29 Junii. 1444. 
3 Junii, 1479. 
3 Jan. 1511. 



The Fifth. 

Capellani 5ti. 
Dns. Robert Freston, Cap. 
Dns. Robert Benet, Cap. 
Dns. Joh. Carver, Cap. 
Dns. Rad. Dicson, Cap. 



Pali-oni. Vacat. 

D.R.K.Mil. 
M. &F. &c. p.mort. 
lidem. p.mort. 
Iidem. 



390 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The Sixth. 

Temp. Instil. Capellani 6ti. Patroni. Vacat, 

8 Maii, 1403. Dns. Robert de Hill, Pr. D.R.K.Mil. 
2 Jan. 14*8. Dns. TJio. Melsamby, Cap. M. & F. &c. 

Dns. Joh. Lile. Iidem. p.resig, 

4 Mar. 1468. Dns. Joh. Sharp, Pr. Iidem, p.mort. 

5 Mar. 1228. Dns. Joh. Cowkepage, Pr. Iidem. p.resig. 

9 Apr. 1537. Dns. Joh. Dykson, Cap. Iidem. 

October 23, 1.563, Queen Elizabeth, in the 
sixth year of her reign, by grant under seal of 
her duchy of Lancaster, after reciting that her 
commissioners appointed for the c ntinuance of 
grammar schools, fresh appeals and other things, 
had appointed to continue one almshouse, called 
Knolles' Almshouse, in which were maintained 
fifteen aged people, whereof two of the said 
fifteen were servants to the rest, and that every 
one of the said fifteen should have yearly two 
pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence, did autho- 
rize the mayor and comburgesses, or chief bur- 
gesses, for the time being, from time to time, 
as the rooms of the alms people should happen 
to be vacant, to place other aged, impotent and 
needy meet persons in the same rooms, accord- 
ing to the ancient foundation thereof, as should 
fte thought most expedient, 

May 20, 1574, Mr. John Mercer, by his 
will, gave to this hospital half the rents arising 
from a house, orchard, garden, edifices and 
buildings at Whitechapel, in London ; and the 
other half was given to the poor of Whitechapel. 
The churchwardens and overseers of Whitechapel 
are appointed trustees for the same. The money 
received is divided equally amongst the poor 
people in the said hospital. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 391 

By the deed mentioned under St. Nicholas* 
hospital, dated Sept. 19, 1650, is also granted the 
yearly sum of forty-one pounds five shillings, 
which is paid to the poor people in this hospital. 

This sum, which has since been advanced to 
the annual sum of sixty pounds, is usually paid 
by the king's receiver to the mayor, for the 
time being, at Michaelmas, who gives a treat to 
him and such of the aldermen, &c, as he thinks 
proper, at which entertainment are provided 
some fine red apples and nuts; as it has been 
an ancient custom to present some of them to 
the duchy of Lancaster, this has given rise to 
an erroneous idea that the corporation hold their 
charter by this service. 

The mayor immediately distributes this sum 
of sixty pounds, in equal shares, amongst the 
poor people in the hospital. 

This hospital will, in the course of a few 
years, receive an addition to its revenues. John 
Whiteman, brickmaker, has bequeathed the rents 
of certain houses, and the interests of certain 
monies to this hospital for ever, after the de- 
cease of his widow, brother and sister; who are 
to enjoy the profits thereof, during the term 
of their natural lives. The following is the 
clause of his will, in which this bequest is made. 

" And lastly at my said wife's death, I give 
and bequeath all rents and interests, to be 
paid in half-yearly payments by my executors, 
or their heirs, as before named, to the Trinity 
Hospital in Pontefract, to be distributed to the 
brothers and sisters of the said hospital, share 
and share alike for ever, subject only to the use- 
ful and necessary repairs of my aforesaid houses." 



322" HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

From the provisions of the will of the said 
John Whiteman*, it appears that on the demise 
of his widow, the rents are to be appropriated 
to the use of the poor of the said hospital, 
paying out thereof the sum of two shillings 
per week to his sister, and the like sum to his 
brother, if living. 

The poor of this hospital will, from this be- 
quest, gain a clear income of twenty pounds 
and upwards per annum ; a sum which, added 
to their other resources, will contribute much 
to alleviated the anxiety of old age, and to ren- 
der the winter of life more serene and peaceful, 

Bead-House Hospital. 

This hospital is situated at the bottom of 
Micklegate, and has eight rooms, in which are 
placed sixteen poor people. 
There is a small parcel of ground at the back 
of this hospital belonging thereto. 

Also Mrs. Favel gave a garden at the bottom 
of Slutwell Lane, called Favel Garden, which 
is now part of Mr. Seaton's grounds, anu for 
which he pays the poor of this hospital four 
pounds per annum. This payment is paid to 
the vicar, who distributes the same amongst 
the widows, who are exclusively entitled thereto. 

* John Whiteman was a native of Pontefract, and had 
by diligence and labour acquired the property specified. 
Having no children, nor any relatives likely to preserve what 
he had industriously acquired, lie was induced to leave all to 
the hospital, in which two of his uncles and his brother had 
found an assylum ; and he hoped should any of his remote re- 
lations be reduced to want, the town would provide for them 
in the same house. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 393 

Thwaltcs' Hospital, in Newgate. 

May 20, 1620, Mr. Richard Tbwaites, by 
his will, gave two cottages, divided into four 
rooms, and also two gardens threreto belonging 
and adjoining, for an hospital for four ancient 
poor women, who shall be single women, to 
dwell severally in the said four rooms, and have 
equal shares and profits of the two gardens. 
Also an annual rent, to be paid by his heirs, 
out of the rents and profits of a close, called 
Tanshelf Well Close, adjoining to Pontefract 
Park, of twelve horse loads of coals to each poor 
woman in the said hospital, for their fire, yearly; 
and also forty shillings a year, to be paid quar- 
terly, on the feast of St. John the Baptist, St. 
Michael the archangel, St. Thomas the apostle, 
and the annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary, 
to them and their successors for ever, towards 
their relief and maintenance. Three of the said 
poor people to be placed in the said rooms to 
be taken out of the town of Pontefract, and 
the fourth of them out of Tanshelf, at all times 
for ever. And in case the said coals should not 
be brought regularly to the poor people by his 
heirs, or the purchaser of his copyhold estate, 
then the trustees therein after mentioned should 
receive three pounds every year, out of the rents 
and profits of the said Tanshelf Well Close, and 
therewith procure the said coals for them for 
ever. The trustees appointed by the said will 
were his heirs and their successors, so long as 
there should be any of them remaining. And 
in case of a failure therein, then the mayor. and 
vicar of Pontefract, for the time being, and 
e e e 






394 HISTORY OF FONTEFRACT. 

Henry Frank, his brother m law, and two senior 
aldermen, during the life of the said Henry 
Frank; and the three senior aldermen, after 
his death, to have the sole direction of the said 
hospital. 

It was decreed by the commissioners of 
pious uses, by an inquisition taken at Snaith, 
April 10, 1674, that Mr. Thomas Ward, the 
then possessor of Tanshelf Well Close, his heirs 
and assigns, and the owner and occupier of the 
said close, shall for ever thereafter pay and 
stand charged with the payment of three pounds 
yearly, to the poor women of the said hospital; 
and the mayor and vicar of Pontefract, for the 
time being, and three senior aldermen, or the 
greater number of them, be perpetual trustees 
for the said hospital. 

Frank's Hospital. 

This hospital is situated at the bottom of 
Micklegate, and formerly contained only one 
apartment, in which were placed two poor 
women. 

It is supposed to have been left by Mr. 
Matthew Frank, formerly an alderman of this 
borough, and the donations of it are — One 
garth at the back thereof; a liquorice garden, 
near St. Nicholas' hospital, called the Bull Garth; 
and an house at the bottom of Micklegate. 

There is also another hospital adjoining to 
the above, supposed to have been built by Mr, 
Kobert Frank, upon part of the ground left by 
Mr. Matthew Frank, above mentioned-, and is 
endowed as follows. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 335 

November 16, 1629, By a deed made be- 
tween Leonard Ward, of Pontefract, on the one 
part, and Robert Moor, gentleman, then mayor, 
Matthew Kay, of Beghall, Richard Frank, of 
Campsall, gentlemen, and Dorothy Frank, of 
Pontefract, widow, on the other part, reciting 
that Mr. John Frank, alderman, deceased, by 
his last will, in writing, bearing date January 
16, 1618, did give to the poor of Pontefract 
fifty pounds, to be paid by his son, Mr. Rich. 
Frank, within two years after his death, out of 
lands in Fen wick and Norton, to the church- 
wardens of the town of Pontefract, for the time 
being, to be bestowed in lands or otherwise, to 
and for the use aforesaid, by the mayor of 
Pontefract, for the time being, and by Matthew 
Kay, of Brotherton, and by Henry Frank, his 
brother, and Richard Frank, his son, or by so 
many of them as should be then living. And 
his will was that the said fifty pounds, or lands 
and profits thereof, should yearly remain to the 
use aforesaid for ever, to be distributed by the 
consent of the said mayor, and his heirs. And 
further reciting that the said Richard Frank 
had already paid the said fifty pounds into the 
hands of the said Dorothy, his mother, by the 
consent of the said churchwardens; and that she, 
of her own free will, had given ten pounds 
more to the use aforesaid, which said sums 
made together sixty; with which the said mayor, 
Mr, Kay, and Richard Frank, with the assist- 
ance of the said Dorothy, had agreed with the 
said Leonard Ward for the purchase of the 
lands thereafter mentioned. The said Leonard 
Ward, in consideration of the said sixty pounds, 



396 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

did convey one acre of arable land at Beckhill, 
and two acres of inclosed land, called Long 
Close, in St. Thomas' Hill Field, abutting upon: 
Monkhill Lane, to the only use and behoof of 
the said Robert Moore, Matthew Kay, and 
.Richard Frank, and their heirs for ever, upon 
trust, that they and the survivor or survivors 
of them should stand and be seised as feoffees 
in trust, to the only proper use of the poor 
people in Pontefract, for the time being, for ever, 
to be distributed by the mayor, for the time be- 
ing, and by the heirs of the said John Frank. 

Although the above donation is to the poor 
of the town generally, the rents of the land 
have been distributed to the poor people in this 
hospital, out of respect to the donor. 

Robert Frank, Esq. by his will, dated Dec. 
26, 1737, devises to his daughter Margaret and 
her heirs, the above mentioned cottage or tene- 
ment, which he had lately built in Micklegate, 
in Pontefract, for an almshouse, wherein he had 
placed or put Susanna Firth and Ann Porter, 
two poor widows, for their lives. And also all 
his, the said testator's trust, estate and interest 
of and in the closes of land above mentioned, to 
have been purchased with the said sixty pounds*; 
for the use, and in trust, and to the intent 
that the said Margaret Frank, her heirs and as- 
signs, should pay and distribute the rents, issues, 
and profits thereof, to the said Susanna Firth 
and Ann, Porter, for their lives; and after their 
decease to such widows as should thereafter be 
placed in the said almshouse, in the room and 

* By what right had he the disposal of this land. See 
the before mentioned deed, Nov. 16, 1629. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 397 

place of her or them so dying, for ever, such 
rents to be paid halfyearly, at Whitsuntide and 
Martinmas. The electing, placing, and dis- 
placing of the said widows for misdemeanors, to 
be in the said Margaret Fiank, her heirs and 
assigns, the mayor and three senior aldermen, 
or comburgesses, of Pontefract, resident in the 
said town, for the time being, and their suc- 
cessors, or the major part of them. 

The testator also appoints the same persons 
and the vicar of Pontefract, and his successors, 
to elect and place the poor widows, upon vacan- 
cies, into the almshouse in Micklegate aforesaid, 
founded by his great grandfather or great uncle, 
or one of them, as also in the almshouses in 
Naut Market, in Pontefract, founded by Mr. 
Cowper. 

And he also declares that if the rents and 
profits of his close, called Rancal Pits, should be 
let for four pounds a year, then he charges 
the same with the payment of ten shillings a 
year, to the said poor widows, in the said alms- 
house for ever, to be paid by his said daughter, 
Margaret Frank, her heirs and assigns, out of 
the rents, issues, and profits of the same close. 

Cooper's, or Butt's, Hospital 

Mr, Robert Cowper, of Darrington, by his 
will, dated May 20, 1668, gave two cottages or 
tenements, in Pontefract, for the use of four poor 
widows of the to'.vn of Pontefract, and appointed 
Samuel Drake, D. D. John Ramsden, John 
Frank, and Robert Tatham, gentlemen, feoffees, 
to elect poor widows, of the town of Pontefract, 



39$ HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

when and as often as vacancies should happen in 
either of the said two tenements; and did like- 
wise desire and appoint that when any of the 
said feoffees die, that the surviving number shall 
have power to elect another to act in his stead. 

And he also gave unto the said four poor 
widows for ever, twenty shillings each yearly, to 
be paid by his heirs, out of his close at Purs- 
ton Jacklin, for the repairs of the said cottages, 
and their relief for ever. 

N. B. This twenty shillings each to the 
above poor widows, is now paid out of the rents 
and profits of a close, in Bailygate, in lieu of 
the above lands in Purston, every Christmas-Eve. 

Mr. Robert Frank, son of John Frank, 
by his will*, appointed the following persons 
trustees for the above hospital, (but query 
by what power) — viz. Mrs. Margaret Frank, 
his daughter, the mayor, for the time being, 
the three senior aldermen, and the vicar, for the 
time being, of Pontefract. 

This hospital was situated at a place for- 
merly called Boner Hill, in the middle of the 
Beast Fair, where the Corn Market is now held, 
but being in a very ruinous state, as well as 
inconvenient in point of situation, in the year 
1765 it was pulled down, and a new hospital 
erected at the Butts, at the expence of the 
town, in lieu of the old one, which cost the 
sum of ninety pounds. 

Perfect's Hospital. 

This hospital is situated at the bottom of 
Micklegate, and was built in the year 1667, 

* See the clause of his will under Frank's Hospital. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 399 

at the joint expence of the town and the cor- 
poration. 

It is called Perfects Hospital from the endow- 
ment thereof by the late Alderman Wm. Perfect, 
who by a deed gave to the corporation several 
houses and gardens thereto, situate near to the 
said hospital, in trust for the poor persons in 
the same hospital; who were to be three poor 
antient decayed housekeepers belonging to the 
town of Pontefract, and their wives. 

The placing and displacing the said poor 
persons in the said hospital was vested in the said 
William Perfect, during his life, and after his 
death in the mayor and aldermen of Pontefract, 
for the time being, for ever, who were made 
perpetual trustees for the same. 

It is the custom when any of the poor peo- 
ple in this hospital die, to remove the sur- 
vivor into Knolles', or Trinity, Hospital, upon 
the first vacancy that shall happen there, in or- 
der to make room here for another poor married 
couple, and so from time to time, in order that 
it may be always enjoyed by three poor ancient 
decayed housekeepers and their wives. 

Dr. Watkinsoiis Hospital, 

The late Edward Watkinson, of Ackworth, 
M. D. by his will, dated April 1765, gave (af- 
ter payment of some small legacies) all the re- 
sidue of his personal estate, after the death of 
his wife, unto the rector of Ackworth, the rector 
of Hemsworth, and the vicar of Pontefract, fop 
the time being; the mayor, recorder, and two* 
pernor aldermen, of the borough of Pontefract, 



400 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

for the time being, upon trust, that they and 
his friend Mr. Alderman Samuel Saltonstall 
should put the same out at interest, and pay 
and apply the produce thereof (after payment 
of some annuities) for the maintenance, support 
and comfortable living and subsistence of nine 
poor unmarried persons, of the protestant reli- 
gion, for ever; to be nominated, chosen and 
elected as follows, viz. the said trustees to nomi- 
nate and chuse two poor men and two poor 
women, who should live in Ackworth, and two 
poor men and two poor women, who should 
live in Pontefract, and also one other women, 
who should live in either of the said townships, 
to be the servant of the said eight poor persons, 
and to wait and attend upon them as such; 
and which said eight poor persons, and their 
servant, should from time to time have the said 
interest, produce and dividends, paid equally 
amongst them, share and share alike. 

And the said testator wills and declares that 
no married person shall be capable of being 
elected one of the said nine persons, and that 
if any of them do afterwards marry, that such 
person shall cease to have any share in the 
said produce and dividends, and be displaced 
from having any benefits or advantage. 

And he also gives the said trustees power 
to displace any of the said persons guilty of 
any immorality, misconduct or bad behaviour. 
And also to fill up vacancies, so as there shall 
always be therein two poor men and two 
poor women, belonging to each of the said 
townships of Ackworth and Pontefract, and a 
maid servant. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 401 

And he gives the said trustees a discretionary 
power as to the best method of perpetuating 
and performing the trusts of his will, and all 
matters and things relating thereto. 

On Feb. 9, 1778, the trustees held their 
first meeting, to put the said will in execution, 
and soon afterwards purchased a piece of ground 
in Northgate, and built a handsome house thereon, 
under the direction of the said Mr. Saltonstall. 

On Oct. 25, 1779, the said hospital being 
ready for the reception of its intended inhabi- 
tants, the trustees nominated eight poor persons 
and a servant to dwell therein, according to 
the said will, and ordered them to be? paid ten 
shillings each every calendar month. 

The vacancies arising by death or otherwise 
have been regularly filled up from time to time, 
and the trustees have laid out the testators 
estate in the purchase of South Sea annuities, 
the dividends of which are paid monthly to the 
poor people of this hospital, now amounting to 
fifteen shillings each person; and the trustees 
take care to keep their respective apartments 
clean and in good repair, rendering this place 
a desirable and comfortable retreat to old age 
and infirmity. 

The King's Free Grammar School. 

Few of our kings deserve so much the grate- 
ful remembrance of the nation as young Ed- 
ward VI. If the importance of a reign be es- 
timated from the general good that results from 
it, his reign, though short, is one of the most 
important in the annals of Britain. It is true 
Fff * 



402 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

it was not distinguished by splendid conquests; 
by the enlargement of the national territory, 
at the expence of thousands of its inhabitants; 
but it is rendered remarkable by the progress 
of the reformation; by the piety and benevo- 
lence uniformly displayed; by the wisdom of 
those establishments, which yet continue to in- 
struct and bless the rising generation. 

His father, Harry, capricious and inconstant, 
acted rather from the impulse of passion, than 
from the cool and delibeiate dictates of wisdom; 
and though he threw off the yoke of the pope's 
supremacy, he assumed it himself, and unmercifully 
shed the blood of those subjects who ventured 
in the least to deviate from the creed which he 
prescribed. The spoils of the Catholic Church 
filled his coffers; and the patronage he enjoyed, 
as head of the church he established, gave him 
additional power, and every thing in church 
and state was subject to his despotic will. Ed- 
ward, in every thing the reverse of his father, 
temperate, chaste, humble and pious, had the 
wisdom to follow the advice of his counsellors, 
and the inclination to execute the plans which 
they formed. Hence arose those excellent insti- 
tutions, Free Grammar Schools ; and ^ew were the 
towns of any importance, but what had in this 
reign such schools erected and endowed. One 
was erected here, in the second year of his 
reign, and various others within the Honour of 
Pontefract. 

The endowment of this school was small; the 
sum of fifty-nine shillings only being annually al- 
lowed to the schoolmaster. It continued without 
any alteration till the fifth of Elizabeth, wlien com- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 4o3 

plaint was made of the inattention and negligence 
of the schoolmaster, to the Chancellor of the Dut- 
chy, and in consequence the right to present a 
suitahle master was vested in the mayor and alder- 
men. The following is an abstract of the grant* 

" And forasmuch as we are credibly in- 
formed that the schoolmaster, which now ser- 
veth in the same, does not his endeavour and 
diligence in the due education and bringing up 
of young children there, according to the trust 
committed to him. We therefore considering 
the same, minding reformation thereof, and also 
good education and bringing up of young chil- 
dren in virtue and godly learning. And having 
a trust and confidence in our mayor and com- 
burgesses, or chief burgesses, of the said town, 
now for the time being, and which hereafter 
shall be. Do by these presents for us, our heirs 
and successors, by the advice and consent of our 
chancellor and council of our said dutchy, 
authorize our said mayor and comburgesses 
of our said town, for the time being, 
and which hereafter shall be, that they from 
time to time from henceforth shall by their di- 
rection and wisdom appoint such a sober, 
discreet, learned, able person to serve and 
be a schoolmaster in the said town, as to them 
shall seem good and best for the education and 
bringing up of young children there from time 
to time, in virtue and godly learning and edu- 
cation, as they will answer for him from time to 
time at their peril. " 

No addition was made to the endowment 
till the twenty-fifth of Elizabeth, when on the 
petition of Boniface Savage and others, several 



404 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

small endowments of schools, which had been 
wholly neglected, were appropriated to this, that 
a master every way qualified to teach and in- 
struct the rising generation might be obtained. 
This grant is too curious to be omitted, as it 
contains some interesting particulars respecting 
the town and castle. After reciting what had 
been done by Edward, and noticing the small 
salary allowed to the master, it goes on, 

" Whereupon the chancellor and council of 
this court persuading themselves that if the 
small stipends were collected and put together, 
the same would maintain a meet, learned and 
sufficient schoolmaster and usher, which were 
not only a matter very laudable, but also a 
great benefit to the country, and weighing and 
considering how the Queen's most excellent 
Majesty is and always hath been, of her princely 
disposition naturally inclined, and ready to nur-< 
ture and further the education of youth in 
learning, virtue and godly life. And for that 
the said borough and town of Pontefract, is 
one of the greatest and most populous boroughs 
of her Majesty's said dutchy in those parts, in 
which town there is the most stately castle 
and meetest house for her Majesty, her heirs 
and successors, to resort unto in those northern 
parts of England, and yet the said town of late 
is very poor and most decayed, being the most 
meet and convenient place in those parts to 
have and maintain a Free Grammar School, which 
shall greatly tend to the honour and dignity of 
her Majesty, And that hereby her Majesty's 
lenity there shall in respect thereof daily have 
most occasion to remember her highness's godly, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 405 

charitable, virtuous and princely acts, and be 
daily moved up and stirred continually to pray 
for the long and happy continuance of her most 
royal person. In consideration whereof the 
chancellor and council of this honourable court, 
bavins: well and deliberately considered of the 
premises, and thinking it very meet and con- 
venient as well for the maintenance and augmen- 
tation of the said Free Grammar School in Pon- 
tefract, as for the causes and considerations afore- 
said, at the humble suit of Boniface Savage and 
others, the inhabitants of the said town of Pon- 
tefract. And forasmuch as the said Boniface Sa- 
vage, as well for himself as in the name of all 
others the inhabitants of Pontefract aforesaid, 
hath undertaken and faithfully promised unto 
the said chancellor and council at his or 
their own cost to make and furnish a fair 
school-house within the said town of Pontefract, 
which shall be a sufficient, meet and able place 
for that purpose; and the said school-house so 
furnished from time to time to maintain, repair 
and continue for ever; Do in this present term 
of Easter in the five and twentieth year of her 
Majesty's reign, order and decree in manner 
and form following, first that there shall be a 
Free Grammar School continued within the said 
town of Pontefract, and a godly learned school- 
master and usher to be chosen from time to 
time to teach and instruct the youth there, and 
that the same Grammar School for the better 
memorial of her Majesty's most gracious, vir- 
tuous and princely disposition for the careful 
bringing up of j'outh in learning, piety and 
godly life, shall be called by the name of The 



406 HISTORY OF PONTEfRACT. 

most excellent Princess Queen Elizabeth's Free 
School in Pontefract. And that the said yearly 
Stipend and pension, amounting to the sum of 
twenty-five pounds seven shillings and twopence 
of lawful money of England, shall hereafter du- 
ring the continuance of the said Grammar 
School be yearly paid and allowed to the mas- 
ter and usher of the said school and their suc- 
cessors there for the time being, in manner and 
form as hereafter by this present decree is set 
down and declared. Also that The Right Ho- 
nourable Sir Ralph Sadler, Knight, now chan- 
cellor and all others which hereafter shall be 
chancellors of the said dutchy shall from time 
to time nominate and appoint one sufficient 
meet and able man to be schoolmaster there, 
during the pleasure of the Queen's Majesty her 
heirs and successors, who for his stipend and 
wages shall have twenty pounds parcel of the 
said twenty-five pounds seven shillings and two- 
pence, to be paid unto the said schoolmaster by 
the hands of the particular receiver of the Honour 
Of Pontefract for the time being, at two usual 
terms in the year, that is to say, at the feast 
of St. Michael the archangel and the annuncia- 
tion of our blessed Virgin Mary, or within 
ftfty days next after either of the said feasts 
by even portions, and that the residue of the 
said sum of twenty-five pounds seven shillings and 
twopence be paid in manner and form aforesaid 
to one meet and sufficient man to be usher 
there, to be from time to time elected and chosen 
by the mayor and brethren of the town of Pon- 
tefract, with the advice and consent of the school^ 
master there for the time being. And that this 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 407 

order and decree shall be a sufficient warrant and 
discharge as well to the said particular receiver 
of our said Sovereign Lady the Queen's Majesty 
her heirs and successors of her and their pos- 
sessions, parcel of her Highnesses dutchy of Lan- 
caster in the said county of York for the time 
being, both for the true payment yearly to the 
said schoolmaster of and in the said town 
of Pontefract and his and their successors for 
the time being, being schoolmaster of the said 
Grammar School for the said sum of twenty- 
pounds, during so long time as he or they or 
any of them shall continue schoolmaster or 
schoolmasters of the said Grammar School. And 
also to the usher there for the time being for 
the true payment yearly of the said sum of five 
pounds seven shillings and twopence, during so 
long a time as the said usher shall -continue 
there. And also to the auditor of the posses- 
sions of the dutchy in the north parts for the 
time being, to make unto the receiver due and 
reasonable allowance yearly of and for the pay- 
ment of the said sums or yearly pensions ac* 
cordingly. Provided always that if at any time 
hereafter it shall be thought good to her Ma- 
jesty her heirs and successors to determine after- 
wards to withdraw or diminish this her Majesty's 
most gracious gift, or that the said mayor or 
brethren shall be negligent or remiss in the 
well repairing or maintenance of the said 
school -house, or in furnishing of the same as 
is before premised and appointed, that then it 
ghall and may be lawful for the chancellor and 
council of the said dutchy for the time being 
either to see the same redressed and reformed, 



408 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

or else to call in and make frustrate this pre- 
sent order and decree, any thing herein con- 
tained or specified to the contrary notwithstand- 
ing. We have given and specified by these pre 
sents the form of the aforesaid decree and or- 
der, at the request of the aforesaid Boniface 
Savage and other inhabitants of Pontefract. In 
witness of which we have made these our let- 
ters patent. Given at our palace at Westminster, 
under the seal of our dutchy of Lancaster, the 
last day of April in the twenty-fifth year of our 
reign. " 

From this period the school continued to 
flourish, or otherwise, according to the talents 
and industry, or inattention and neglect, of the 
various masters appointed. The above grant or 
charter took from the mayor and comburgesses 
the right of appointing the schoolmaster, and 
such right remained with the chancellor of the 
dutchy. The schoolmaster was only to be pro- 
perly qualified for his office; nor was he in 
the least bound or restricted to any particular 
branches of instruction. 

In the lapse of a century the school again 
fell into deca}^, and for some years no school- 
master applied for the appointment. The inha- 
bitants, desirous to restore this foundation, and 
to render it permanently useful, again petitioned 
the dutchy court, and engaged to rebuild the 
school and to purchase or erect a house for the 
residence of the schoolmaster. The petition of 
the inhabitants was graciously received, and in 
the thirty-second year of his present Majesty, the 
school was refounded; and a charter was granted 
containing rules and regulations for its better 
government in future. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 409 

Byr this charier the mayor, recorder, alder- 
men, and the vicar are appointed curators; and 
their office is to superintend the said school, 
and to see that the rules and regulations an- 
nexed to the said charter are strictly observed. 

The appointment of the schoolmaster is re- 
served to the chancellor of the dutcby; but as 
a necessary qualification for such appointment, 
he must have taken the state and degree of mas- 
ter of arts or bachelor of laws in one of the 
universities *. 

The number of boys on this foundation is 
fourteen, one of which is to be taken 
from the Charity School, and educated free from 
all expence; the remainder are to pay one 
guinea per annum for being taught the Greek 
and Latin languages; and such as learn writing 
and arithmetic are to pay one guinea more. 
The admission of such boys is by ballot 
among the curators, and the boy that has a 
majority is elected. But no boy can be chosen 
unless the parents are legally settled in the 
townships of Pontefract or Tan shelf. 

The schoolmaster is not permitted to teach 

* This clause of the charter, by limiting the objects of 
choice, must uniformly operate against the prosperity of the 
institution. Those clergymen who have been trained up in 
the habit of teaching, and to whom the instruction of youth 
has become the chief object of attention, are generally much 
better qualified for such an office than graduates in the uni- 
versity. Should such graduates have devoted their time to the 
study of the classics, and should they have attained general 
knowledge, their inexperience in the art of teaching will ren- 
der it an irksome task, in which they engage with reluctance, 
and from which they depart with pleasure. Whoever framed this 
charter, if they had consulted the interest of the town, should have 
appointed any clergyman, properly qualified, eligible to the office. 



Cgg 



410 HISTORY OF PONf EFRACT. 

the English Grammar, Writing arid Arithmetic, 
separate from the learned languages *; but is 
obliged to take any other boys, besides those 
on the foundation, belonging to the towns of 
Pontefract and Tanshelf, for the additional sum 
of one guinea. 

All the children are to be instructed in the 
Protestant religion, according to the rites and 
ceremonies of the church of England. 

John Frieston f; of Altofts, in this county, 
gave some lands in this town to the University 
College, Oxford, for the maintenance of one 
fellow or exhibitioner, to receive out of them 
ten pounds a year; besides the use of a chamber 
and exemptions from all decrements. He built 
and endowed a Free School at Norm an ton. 
He left five hundred pounds to purchase twenty 
five pounds a year, for the maintenance of one 
fellow and two scholars in Emanuel's College, 
Cambridge; the said fellow and scholars to be 
sent out of Normanton, and for want of such 
there, then out of the Free Schools of Ponte- 

* This rule narrows and confines the advantages of this 
shcool. Many in the town might wish to have their children 
taught English, writing and arithmetic, Without being put to 
the expence of a classical education. By this rule the children 
of the greatest part of the inhabitants are wholly deprived of 
any benefit from this Grammar School. Would it riot be a 
general advantage to this school if such clauses Were disannul- 
led? Would it not be wise and prudent in the inhabitants 
to apply to the Dutchy Court, that such other regulations 
might be adopted as would render the Free Grammar School 
ah institution of general utility? While this charter remains, 
ar?d the limitations it contains are in practice regarded, it 
will never be of any essential advantage to the town. 

f He was descended from an ancient family, the Lords of 
Mendham, in Suffolk, and died the 37th 6f Elizabeth, 1594, 



HISTORY OF pONTEFRACT. 411 

fract, Wakefield, Leeds and Rotherham, or any 
part of the county. 

The Charity School. 

It is not certain when, or by whom, this 
school was first erected. There is no mention 
of such a school prior to the year 1709. Wil- 
liam Earl of Strafford, by will, dated the 9th 
of September, 1695, out of his favourable and 
charitable disposition to this town, gave and 
devised unto the mayor and aldermen the sum 
of two hundred pounds, towards the repairs of 
the great church, if the trustees, named in his 
will, should be well assured on payment thereof 
that the said church would be repaired, and 
constantly used as other churches were for the 
performance of divine service. 

In the year 1709, there being no likelihood 
of this church being repaired, the Honourable 
Thomas Went worth, the residuary legatee of the 
said Earl of Strafford, in regard to the memory 
and pious intentions of the said Earl, and wish- 
ing that the said two hundred pounds might 
be employed for charitable purposes, for the 
benefit of the poor of Pontefract, instead 
of applying it to his own use, as he certainly 
might have done, paid this sum to the cor- 
poration, on their giving a proper indem- 
nity, to the intent that the interest thereof 
might be annually employed in and about 
some good charitable undertaking within the 
said town, either in setting up a school or a 
workhouse. 

in consequence thereof the corporation, by 



412 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

deed dated the 25th August, 1709, after reciting 
the above particulars, did grant the; three closes, 
called Town's Closes, to the said Honourable 
Thomas Wentworth, and his legal representa- 
tives, as an indemnity for the payment of the 
said sum ; and it was by the same deed de- 
clared that the mayor, recorder, vicar and the 
two senior aldermen of Pontefract, for the time 
being, should be trustees to manage, expend 
and lay out the said interest monies for the 
benefit of such Charity School or Workhouse. 

The said trustees were also impowered to 
lay out the said two hundred pounds in the 
purchase of land, and apply the rents to the 
purposes aforesaid, and in case the said church 
should be rebuilt, the lands so purchased were 
declared liable to the payment of the said two 
hundred pounds. 

This bequest appears to have laid the foun- 
dation of the Charity School. It cannot be 
doubted but the persons mentioned laid out 
the money in land, for which land they of 
course became trustees. The following is a 
list of the donations, inclusive of the above, 
which have been made to this school ; and 
whatever lands were purchased with such dona- 
tions they must have been invested in the same 
trust *. 

* Though there can be no doubt that the persons men* 
tioned in the deed of release are the legal trustees of the 
lands belonging to this charity, it is singular that they are not 
in possession of any one deed of conveyance. Is it not pro- 
bable, that on the death cf Recorder Frank, when the office 
which he had kept here was given up, and all the writings 
in his possession were conveyed to CampsalJ, such deeds were 
conveyed also? 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Hon. Tho. Wentworth, Aug. 25, 1790, 200 
Patientius Ward, Esq. Feb. 7, 171 1, 
Mr. Wm. Stables, Alderman, 
Mr. Joseph Lodge, Sep. 3, 1712, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Adams, Dec. 12, 1713, 
Madam Savil, Wife of J. Savil, Esq. Jun. 
Mrs. Sarah Sharpass, Widow, Aug. 1716, 
Patientius Ward, Esq. to put out ap- ) 
prentices, Aug. 2, 1717, S 

Patientius Ward, Esq. for the same) 
purpose, Aug. 2, 1719, j 

Mrs. Catherine Favil, 1722, 
Mrs. Anne Vickers, by will, May 21,) 
1722, j" 

Mr. Richard Shillitoe, late of Sharl-) 
ston, Sep. 21, 1724, j" 

Patientius Ward, Esq. Oct. 1, 1725, 
Mrs. Sarah Cayley, Nov. 26, 1725, 
Mr. John Staveley, Nov. 26, 1728, 
Prom an unknown person, Dec. \8,\ 
1728, j 

Airs. Dorothy Frank, by will, May 3, ) 
1728, j" 

Mrs. Anne Lowther, April IS, 1729, 
Mr. Wilson, July 2, 1729, 
John Lowther, Esq. by will, Oct. 16,\ 
1731, j 

Mrs. Elizabeth Perfect, Jan. 5, 1731, 
Mr. Solomon Dupeir, June 4, 1732, 
Mrs. Mary Kellam, Dec. 28, 1732, 
From an unknown person, May 27, ) 0r . 

1736, J J0 ° ° 

Mr. Scholey, educated as a Charity) inA _ 
Boy, ^ \ 10 ° ° ° 

£&)H 14 o 





413 


£. 


s. 


d. 


200 








2 








7 


3 





2 








2 


10 





2 


3 





20 








2 


2 





2 


2 





2o 








3 








10 








10 








10 








10 


10 





1 


1 





30 








5 








21 








20 








3 


3 





100 








5 









414 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

This Charity School, besides the donations 
made to it, has received considerable support 
from annual subscribers; and every annual sub- 
scriber of one guinea, has acted in conjunction 
with the proper trustees, in the regulation and 
management of the said school. The conduct 
of the trustees, in relinquishing their exclusive 
right of management, deserves commendation. 
They have acted on the obvious principle, that 
when men voluntarily give their money for any 
charitable purpose, they have a right to see that 
it be properly applied. By this conduct annual 
subscriptions are encouraged, as the subscribers 
have full liberty to recommend the children of 
the poor to the benefit of this charity. 

After the establishment of this institution, for 
some time the children of the poor were only 
instructed in reading, writing and arithmetic, 
free from all expence; but the donations and 
private subscriptions at length enabled the trus- 
tees, not only to educate, but to clothe the 
boys and girls admitted on this charity. 

A house, situate in Micklegate, was pur- 
chased for the master of this school; and in 
the year 1779 the present spacious school- room 
was erected on the ground behind it. 

When the King's Grammar School was re- 
founded, the trustees of this charity appropriated 
one hundred and fifty pounds from its funds 
towards the erection of the said Grammar School. 

The number of boys and girls admitted on 
this foundation is regulated by the state of its 
finances. It is usual for the children admitted 
to receive their coats and gowns, and one pair 
of shoes on St. Thomas' day; their shifts, shirts 



HISTORY OF PONTEFfcACT, 



415 



and another pair of shoes at Midsummer; the 
girls their aprons, handkerchiefs and caps at 
Easter; and the two oldest girls alternately at- 
tend in the house of the master, in order to 
learn the necessary work. 

Children are admitted into this school at 
the age of eight years, and remain until they 
are fourteen; and if then put out apprentice it 
is the custom to give one guinea along with 
them. 

The following is an account of lands, &c. 
now belonging to this Charity School, exclusive 
of the annual subscriptions. 



lands, &c. 

A close in Purston Row, 

Do. do. 

Do. and piece in Bennet Ings, 

Do. at Baghill, 

Do. in Darrington Lane, 

Do. in Upper Taythes, 

A Garden in Bailey-gate, 

Do. northward, 

Three eights of a close at Dar-) 

rington, let for j£8. per .aim.) 
A close at Darrington, 
Do, under "Wenthill. 
Do. at Cutsyke, 
Lady Betty Hasting, annually, 
An annual payment out of land) 

at Ferry b. by Dv. Jefferson,) 
Do. by Mr. Popplewell, out of ) 

land at Spittle-Gap, $ 







RENT. 


A, 


R. P. 


£. s. d % 


3 


36 


12 12 


2 


16 


7 10 


1 


1 25 


5 


3 


11 


16 


4 


1 13 


17 


1 


1 32 


6 


1 


1 IS 


9 





1 22 


1 1 


4 





3 


5 


3 31 


11 11 


2 





3 


4 


3 6 


5 .0 
7 



1H 



8 4 



34 10o£'l04 19 



416 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

BEQUESTS AND DONATIONS. 

Talbot's Charity. 

In the thirty-second of Elizabeth, (1.5 90, J" 
George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, by his will 
of this date, appointed the sum of two hun- 
dred pounds, to be yearly employed for ever 
unto the benefit of the poorest artificers in the 
town of Pontefract, for the increase of trade and 
occupations there, that is to say, that the mayor 
of the said town and his brethren, or the major 
part of them with the mayor, by the assent of 
the Earl of Shrewsbury, for the time being, 
shall upon Monday in Whitsun week, pay and 
lend to every poor artificer of the same town, 
so far as the said money will extend, five 
pounds for the term of three years next fol- 
lowing, putting in good and sufficient security 
for the repayment thereof*. 

Sayle's Dole. 

Mr. Thomas Sayle, mentioned as a benefactor 
to St. Nicholas* Hospital, by his said will, June 
8, 1673, gave one hundred pounds to the poor of 
Pontefract, the interest of which to be distributed 

* Dug dale's Baron. Whether this bequest of the Earl 
of Shrewsbury was ever paid to the ma) or, and disposed of 
in the manner directed, is not known. There is not a word 
relating to the above bequest in any of the books now belong- 
ing to the corporation ; and if the two hundred pounds has ever 
been appropriated according to the will of the said Earl, it 
has been lost either for want of sufficient security for the re- 
payment thereof when lent to poor artificers, or unjustly ap- 
plied to some other purpose. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 417 

amongst them by the mayor and vicar, for the 
time being, every Christmas for ever. 

The said Thomas Sayle omitted to appoint 
trustees to receive the said one hundred pounds, 
on Which account a commission for pious uses 
was held at Snaitb, and an inquisition taken the 
18th April, 1674, and it was decreed that John 
Frank, Esq. then mayor, Samuel Drake, D. D. 
and William Wilkinson, should stand and be 
trustees to receive the same, and that it should 
remain a stock for ever, and the income and 
profits thereof be distributed yearly, by the 
mayor and the minister of the town, for the 
time being, and their successors for ever. 

Some years afterwards the trustees applied 
the money to different purposes than those in- 
tended by the donor, and another commission 
for pious uses was held at Barnsley, on the 2nd 
June, 1678, and a decreetal order was then 
made that the said one hundred pounds should 
be paid to Mr. Thomas Jackson, then mayor, 
Mr. Drake, then vicar, Richard Lyle, Hastings 
Sayle and Thomas Sayle, who soon after the 
receipt thereof should purchase land of inherit- 
ance of the clear yearly value of six pounds, 
to the use of the said Richard Lyle, Hastings 
Sayle and Thomas Sayle, the mayor and vicar 
of Pontefract, during the natural lives of Richard 
Lyle, Hastings Sayle and Thomas Sayle, and 
after their decease to the use of the said mayor 
and vicar for the time being, and their succes- 
sors for ever, in trust, nevertheless to and for 
the charitable use aforesaid. 

The said one hundred pounds was afterwards 
received by the said Hastings Sayle, who pur- 
h h h * 



418 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

chased the close hereafter mentioned therewith, 
and by his will, dated July 23, 1721, did give 
and devise unto the poor of Pontefract, one 
close in Furston Jacklin, called Lady Close, 
then in the possession of Robert Lorryman, in 
lieu and consideration of and satisfaction for 
the said one hundred pounds, so received by 
the testator, Hastings Sayle, and given by the 
said Thomas Sayle as aforesaid. 

To the intent and purpose that the mayor 
and vicar of Pontefract, for the time being, 
and their successors for ever, might annually re- 
ceive the rents and profits thereof, then about 
six pounds, and distribute the same yearly at 
Christmas. 

September 11, 1722, Mr. William Kitching- 
ham, by deed, confirmed the title of the above 
close to the said mayor and vicar, and their 
successors for ever, in trust for the uses before 
mentioned. 

The Corporation's Bequest, 

The corporation of Pontefract purchased eight 
acres and a half of land, (query if not a close 
at Purston-Row of six acres two rood and ten 
perches, and a close in West Field, of two acres 
one rood and twelve perches,) in the West Field, 
of William York, Esq. and Mrs. Heptinstall, 
for the use of the poor for ever. 

■Mr. John Acaster's Bequest. 

Mr. John Acaster, by his will, gave three 
bushels of wheat, to be paid annually out of the 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 419 

rents and profits of his house and garden in 
Micklegate, (now the eastern part of Mr. Sea- 
ton's house and yard,) to be distributed every 
Christmas, by the overseers of the poor, for ever, 
to as many poor widows in Micklegate as they 
shall think most needful. 

Mrs. Dorothy Frank's Bequest. 

Mrs. Dorothy Frank, by her will dated the 
29th of March, 1728, gave one hundred pounds 
to be laid out in land, the rents and profits 
thereof to be distributed as follows, thirty shil- 
lings to the Charity School of Pontefract, and 
the remainder to be annually distributed to the 
poor people of tha town of Pontefract, at Christ- 
mas, at the discretion of Robert Frank, Esq. 
Nicholas Torre, Esq. and the vicar of Ponte- 
fract, for the time being, who are appointed 
trustees for the same. 

A close at Darrington was purchased of 
Joshua Wilson, Esq, with the above one hun- 
dred pounds, and thirty shillings is paid to the 
Charity School, and the remainder of the rent, 
it is presumed, is distributed yearly at the dis- 
cretion of Mr. Frank. 

Mr. $ other gil's Donation for the Appointment oj 
a Catechist or Lecturer. 

The Reverend Marmaduke Fothergil, the 
proprietor of the land called Frier Wood, not 
having any children, and considering the 
duty of the parish too great to be discharged 
by the vicar, conveyed the land above mentioned 



420 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

to the Archbishop of York, Sir ¥m, Dawes, 
in trust for the support and maintenance of a 
catechist to serve in the church of St. Giles. 

By deed, bearing date Jan. 3, 1716, after 
specifying the reasons which had influenced him 
to make the bequest, and pointing out the pro- 
perty, he then adds, " To have and to hold 
the said messuages or tenements and cottages, 
garths, gardens, lands, tenements, and premises 
above mentioned, with all their rights and ap- 
purtenances whatsoever to the said Sir William 
Dawes, and his successors in the see of York, 
to and for the only proper use, benefit and be- 
hoof, of him the said Marmaduke Fothergil and 
Dorothy his now wife for and during their na- 
tural lives, and from and immediately after the 
deaths of them the said Marmaduke Fothergil 
and Dorothy, then to and for the several uses 
hereafter mentioned and declared of and concern- 
ing the same (that is to say) to and for the 
use of his Grace the Lord Archbishop of York 
and his successors for ever, in trust, that never- 
theless all the rents, issues and profits thereof 
may half yearly be paid to for. and towards the 
support and maintenance of a chatechist in the* 
chapel of St. Giles within the town of Ponte- 
fract aforesaid, or in the parish Church of Pon- 
tefract when rebuilt, whom the said Archbishop 
of York and his successors, from time to time, 
shall and may always nominate after the deaths 
of the said Marmaduke Fothergil and Dorothy 
his wife; provided that the said archbishop and 
his successors shall and may impose such further 
obligation of duty as in his wisdom he shall 
think most reasonable for the catechist to dc< 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 421 

and perform in the discharge of his office, and 
for neglect or omission of such duty of the said 
catechist, the said archbishop and his successors 
shall and may from time to time proceed against 
such catechist and catechists by what ecclesiastical 
censure, even to deprivation, as he or they in 
their great wisdom shall think most expedient, 
provided always, and it is the true intent and 
meaning of the said Marmaduke Fothergil, 
that the said Frier Wood and the houses, garths, 
gardens, orchards, lands, tenements and premises, 
and all their appurtenances shall from time to 
time and at all times be let and disposed of 
without any foregift at the utmost and full 
improved extended yearly rent and income by 
his Grace the Lord Archbishop of York for the 
time being. And whereas the parish of Ponte- 
fract aforesaid is too great for the sole discharge 
of the vicar thereof, therefore the said vicar of 
Pontefract shall not at any time be catechist, 
neither at the same time shall the catechist he 
vicar of Pontefract aforesaid, but the respective 
discharge of their duties shall always he distinct 
and executed by two different persons. And the 
said Marmaduke Fothergil for himself and his 
heirs doth hereby covenant, grant and agree to 
and with the said Sir William Dawes, Archbishop, fe 
and his successors, that the said Marmaduke 
Fothergil, at the time of sealing and executing 
of these presents, is and standeth lawfully seized 
of a good estate of inheritance of and in the 
houses, garths, gardens, orchards, lands, tene- 
ments and premises thereunto belonging, with 
their and every of their appurtenances, and hath 
in himself good right and full power and lawful 



422 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

authority to convey, assure and dispose of the 
same and every part thereof, in trust as afore- 
said, to and for the several uses and under the 
several provisoes, conditions, restrictions, and 
limitations above mentioned, for and notwith- 
standing any former or other act or thing 
whatsoever by him the said Marmaduke Fothergil 
or his assigns done or acted to the contrary. 
In witness whereof the parties to these presents 
interchangeably have set their hands and seals 
iirst above written." 

cc Also a lease for a year, bearing date the 
22nd of January aforesaid, made between the 
said Marmaduke Fothergil of the one part, and 
the said Sir William Dawes, Archbishop of York, 
of the other part, of the said messuages or 
tenements, cottages, garths, gardens, orchards, 
lands, tenements and premises. Which said in- 
denture of lease and release are witnessed by 
Arthur Gargrave, Nathaniel Stavely, Matthew 
Wilkinson, John Dickson, and Robert Staveley, 
gentlemen, all of Pontefract aforesaid*." 

MARMADUKE FOTHERGIL. 

Signed and sealed by the above named Marma- 
duke Fothergil in the presence of us, 
M. WILKINSON, 
JOHN DICKSON, 
NATH. STAVELEY, Jun. 

* The two lecturers, which have been appointed on this 
donation, are noticed in the Drakes' pedigree, page 158. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 422 



THE PARK. 



Uncivilized man, impelled rather by his wants 
than allured by pleasure, ardently pursues the 
beasts of the forest. Hunting may be consider- 
ed as his necessary employment; and the game 
caught by his agility, dexterity and cunning, 
as being the chief part of his subsistance. This 
employment, toilsome as it is, yields however 
but a precarious and uncertain support; and 
when man has been taught to supply his wants 
by the cultivation of the ground, if it be not 
wholly relinquished, it will only be pursued as 
an amusement, or as an healthful exercise. 

The Normans were passionately devoted to 
the sports of the field; and nothing can more 
strongly establish the fact, than the conduct 
of William, who laid waste the county of Hamp- 
shire, and made it a forest for wild beasts. 
The nobles, like their leader, within their do- 
mains inclosed extensive districts to preserve 
the ferce nature, to afford them the pleasures 
of the chase. 

Parks have been defined forests enclosed*, 
and were called Haiae dominicales. This word 
Haice appears in the composition of a variety 
of local names, under its dialectical differences 
of hey, hay, how, haigh. It is the Saxon Hceg, 
and means an hedge. Hence parks were called 
haighs, on account of being inclosed with 
hedges, as Rothvvell Haigh, which was the park 
belonsrins: to the Manor House of the Lacies. 
Hence Houghton, the village now called Glass 
* See Whitakek's Wholley. 



424 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Houghton, seems to derive its name, as being 
originally within the inclosure of the haigh or 
park. 

To our royal and baronial castles usually be- 
longed two parks, one inclosed with a wall for 
fallow deer, the other for red deer, fenced around 
with an hedge. 

To the parks as well as the forests were 
appointed keepers, and the game was secured 
by the forest laws. A family of the name of 
Hippon *, which came in with the Conqueror, 
were hereditary keepers of Pontefract Park, 
This family resided at Featherstone, and con- 
tinued in their office under the Lacies and 
Plantagenets, down to the time of Queen Eliza- 
beth, when an account was taken of the deer 
and wood in the park. 

Parks were usually driven twice in the year, 
once before fence month, and secondly about 
Holyrood Day. Fifteen days before Midsummer, 
and fifteen after were called fence month, in which 
all hunting was strictly forbidden, the hinds 
being then either big with young, or having 
calved. On Holyrood Day the agisters began 
to take in cattle, and all who had common 
right, came to the pounds, where a roll of the 
gates they were entitled to was kept. 

It appears that however tenacious the barons 
were of their game, they allowed their tenants 
the advantage of common right for their cattle, 
as well within their parks as in their waste 

* This ancient family, though its hereditary office was 
neither honourable nor lucrative, for ages continued to be re- 
spectable. It is now become extinct in this neighbourhood $ 
and the only branch of it remaining resides at Dewsbury. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 425 

lands. From this custom has originated the 
claims of freeholders to a proportionate share of 
waste lands in a manor, and of landholders to 
gaits for their cattle in common lands. 

In the thirtieth of Elizabeth a commission 
was issued to inspect and survey this park, as 
part of her Majesty's inheritance of the Dutchy 
of Lancaster, within the county of York. The 
following gentlemen were appointed Commis- 
sioners, Anthony Thorney, John JRidial, Ed- 
mond Tyas, Thomas Austwick, Thomas Ether- 
ington, John Leatham, Willam Dillock, Stephen 
Crosby, John Milner, William Holgate, Ralph 
Airy, and Allen Andrews. Certain articles of 
inquiry were given to these commissioners, to 
which they returned the following answers. 

" To the first article, the said park is distant 
from Pontefract Castle half a quarter of a mile, 
but how long the same hath been a park we 
cannot tell, but so far we have heard said, it 
was sometime called Pontefract Moor*." 

" To the second article, the same rout within 
the whole circuit of the pales, seven hundred 
acres, whereof we think there is none may be 
employed for meadow j*, one hundred acres for 
arable ground, and all the rest for pasture." 

" To the third article, we say that every of 

* It should seem from this, that the extensive tract of 
land called the park, prior to the conquest, was fenny and 
waste; and most probably depastured by the cattle of the 
burgesses. When the Lacies became the proprietors of the 
burgh, this district was then surrounded by a loss and paled. 

f Such were the sentiments of gentlemen and farmers in 
the reign of Elizabeth? This land now produces as good 
crops of grass and hay as any land in the neighbourhood. 

i ii 



426 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

the one hundred acres of arable land and every 
acre of pasture is worth by year twelvepence." 

" To the fourth article, there is in the pales 
about the said park, and within the premises of 
the same, one thousand three hundred and seventy 
timber trees, whereof we think four hundred of 
the best are worth ten shillings a piece, other 
four hundred of the next sort worth six shillings 
and eightpence a piece, and the rest at five 
shillings a piece. In fuel trees one thousand 
seven hundred and sixty, whereof five hundred 
of the best are worth to be sold at six shillings 
and eightpence a piece, of the second sort 
other five hundred at five shillings a piece, and 
the rest at three shillings and fourpence a piece, 
Also four hundred saplings worth sixteen pence 
a piece, one hundred ash at sixteen pence a 
piece*," 

" To the fifth article, there is no manner of 
mines to our knowledge f." 

* At this period the best timber trees were only worth 
ten shillings; at present they are not worth less than ten 
pounds. Wood was then plentiful; nor did the navy, the 
pride of Britain, though then strong enough to defeat the 
Armada, consume one thousand part of the timber which is 
now found requisite. An increased population has turned de- 
serts into fruitful fields; and though the country is shorn of 
its stately oaks, other countries are ready to cut down their 
forests, and exchange them for the produce of British industry. 

f It is evident that these commissioners were not com- 
petent judges on the subject. Their answer however implies, 
that hitherto no mines had been formed. Since then coal has 
been gotten, and there is no doubt, but a bed of coal runs 
nearly through the whole extent of the park. It is probable 
the whole might be got by the mean of one steam engine. 
By the act for dividing the park, the inhabitant* are debarred 
from working any mines; and the coal can only be got by a 
grant from the dutchy of Lancaster. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 427 

" To the sixth article, there is growing within 
the precinct of the said park certain underwoods, 
thorn, maples, hazles, allers, and other brush* 
ment, but what acres the same be or what age 
the same be of, we know not, but we say that 
they are worth to be sold at sixty pounds. " 

" To the seventh article, there was in the 
park in anno primo of the Queens Majesty's 
reign three hundred deer, and at this present 
five hundred fourscore and fifteen viewed by 
William Mallet, John Tindal and Robert Hip- 
pon, keepers and others." 

" To the eighth article, we say that George 
Lord Talbot hath the said park by indenture, 
under the seal of the Dutchy of Lancaster, pay- 
ing therefore by year four pounds three shillings 
and fourpence. And further saith, that the town 
and inhabitants of Pontefract and Tanshelf have 
by custom common in the park, with their 
horses and kine yearly time out of man's mind, 
from the feast of St. Ellen, called the inven- 
tion of the cross, unto the feast of St. Michael, 
and so hath this present, paying therefore yearly 
unto the herbage or farmer of the said park 
for every cow one shilling, and for every horse 
or mare two shillings for the whole jist, and 
for a cow if she lies in the park nightly one 
shilling and fourpence. For a circle for brackens 
twopence, for a swine in pannage time four- 
pence. And further saith the King and Queen's 
Majesty's tenants, or copyholders of Carleton, 
Hardwick and Tanshelf, have common in a close 
called Carleton close in the said park, with their 
draughts, oxen or cattle yearly from the said 
feast of St. Ellen unto the said feast of St, 



428 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

Michael, paying therefore yearly for every beast 
fourpence, for which custom and common the 
said tenants are bound by the tenure of their 
lands to carry the queen's timber and others to 
their highness's castle or mills, having therefore 
for every carriage according to the custom paid 
by the receiver there, which said close has been 
so used and occupied until four years last past, 
and since then the pales there taken by the 
keepers and the ground laid into the new close 
adjoining to the same, whereby the same tenants 
are not able to serve the Queen's Majesty as 
they have done in times past. And further 
saith, that the farmer of the said manor of' 
of Hardwick hath had time out of man's mind 
common in the park yearly, as well in winter 
as in summer, for sixty beasts and ten horses 
or mares. Also in pannage time swine without 
number, for which custom the late priory of 
St. Oswald, before the dissolution of the house, 
hath paid to the keepers of the said park six 
quarters of wheat and to the palace four quarters, 
and since the dissolution thereof, the receiver 
here has paid } r early in respect to the said wheat 
three pounds six shillings and eightpence until 
now of late. And also says that the farmer 
of the capital messuage of Houghton, called 
Houghton Hall, have had time out of man's 
mind, and also since thence the first year of 
her Majesty's reign in the said park common 
for sixteen beasts and four horses from the feast 
of St. Ellen until Michaelmas yearly, and also 
hath had one key of custom delivered unto him 
by the keeper of the said park at the said 
feast of St, Ellen until Michaelmas, of one 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 423 

gate, called Houghton Carr Gate, for the dri- 
ving out of their cattle, paying yearly unto the 
said keeper at the delivering of the said key 
fourpence, and in pannage time swine without 
number. And further says that the queen's 
Majesty is charged with certain fees payable 
forth out of the said park, that is tc say, to 
the keeper for his fee one pound six and eight- 
pence for carriage of pale and rail, and making 
pales thirteen shillings and fourpence.' ' 

" To the ninth article, there is built in the 
said park three lodges or houses, whereof two 
of them are in good reparation and the third 
partly in decay, but who is charged with the 
reparation thereof we know not. Also there is 
a barn built in the said park to lye hay in that 
is gotten for the deer, the reparation whereof is 
at the queen's charge." 

" To the tenth article we cannot depose." 
" To the eleventh article, there is in the 
said park one close called the New Close, ano- 
ther called Vicar's Close, the most part thereof 
of the pales are in good reparation and also of 
the said park. Also there is another close in 
the said park called the Carr, granted by inden- 
ture to William Mallet, Esq. forth out of the 
exchequer and before belonging to the late dis- 
solved monastery of St. John, in Pontefract. 
And further saith that there are fifteen acres 
of meadow in Allerton Ings belonging to the 
said park for the deer, gotten yearly at the 
Queen's charge. Every acre worth by year 
three shillings and fourpence." 

" To the twelfth article we can say nothing." 
" To the thirteenth article, the same is a prince- 
ly park and meet before any other to be preserved." 



430 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

It does not appear, notwithstanding the re* 
commendation of the commissioners, that much 
attention was paid to the park after this period. 
When the wood was cut down and the deer 
sold, the author has not been able to ascertain. 
It is however most probable, that this was 
done during the civil war. For after this time, 
as the castle was destroyed, the park was in 
a great measure neglected, and a considerable 
part left to the operations of nature^ unaided 
by tbe hand of man. 

In the park, there were three houses erected 
and occupied by the keeper and his servants. 
One was called the Upper Park-House, now in- 
habited by Mr. Jones; the other the Lower 
Park-House, now that which M^ D. Denison 
occupies; and the third was the lodge, where 
the keeper resided, and in which Mr. Mumforth 
now dweils. It is probable it was at the Upper 
Park-House a scene of cruelty and plunder was ex- 
hibited, not often equalled in the annals of New- 
gate. The Reverend Leonard Scurr, who had been 
ejected by the Act of Uniformity from Beeston 
Church, where he had assisted the Rev. Mr. 
Cudworth, lived in the above-mentioned house, 
with his mother and a maidservant. He enjoyed 
a considerable estate in the neighbourhood, and 
it is probable, that the respectability of the 
family led his neighbours to permit him to re- 
side there, though contrary to the five-mile act. 
Whether he became the object of resentment 
on account of his nonconformity, or whether 
he fell a victim to a lawless banditti, who 
merely wished to secure his property, it is im- 
possible to determine. Whatever might be the 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 431 

motives of the actors in this tragedy, they en- 
tered the house, in the night of the 22nd of 
January, 1680, murdered Mr. Scurr, his mother, 
and the maidservant, then plundered the house, 
and on departing set it on fire *. 

The Upper Park-House being so near to the 
town of Pontefract, this horrid transaction could 
not be loner unknown. An active search was 
made after the murderers; and circumstances 
occuring which led to suspect a party at Hol- 
beck, near Leeds, they fled to Ireland. They 
were however pursued, and two of them taken; 
and being tried at the next assizes, were found 
guilty. One was executed and hung in chains 
on Holbeck-Green f ; the other was reprieved, 
in hope that he would make a further discovery, 

* See Palmer's Non. Mem. Vol. 3. page 42-t. 

f A narrative of this tragedy was printed. The editor 
regrets that he has not been able to meet with it, as it might 
have thrown some light on the transaction. On repeatedly 
perusing Palmer, the editor doubts whether this transaction 
took place in Pontefract Park, or in some place called the 
park, near Beeston. The following is the account Palmer 
gives. 

" Mr. Scurr, Of Sidney Col. Camb. Born in Pontefract. 
He had a good estate in this neighbourhood. Some time after 
being silenced here (where he assisted Mr. Cudworth) he and 
his mother, with a maidservant, lived retired at a house in 
the park, where thieves broke in, robbed and murdered them, 
set the house on fire. Jan. 22, 1680, and then fled into Ire- 
land, whither they were pursued. Two of them were taken 
and condemned ; one was hanged in chains, on Holbeck 
Green ; the other was reprieved, in hopes of a further discovery, 
which he could never be brought to make. A narrrative of 
this tragedy was printed. It was said that Mr. Scurr, though 
a good preacher, was a man of a bad character, and a scandal 
to his profession." 



432 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

but he resisted every attempt to obtain any 
information from him *. 



* A few years ago an atrocious murder was committed 
in the forenoon of the day, id a newly erected farm-house 
in the park, accupied by Mr. Denison. A servant lad re- 
turning home with his cart, near noon, and his foot being 
hurt by a nail, which came through the heel of his shoe, 
went into the house to find a hammer to knock it down. 
In searching for the hammer, he discovered blood in different 
places, and at last turning his head to the cellar door, de- 
scried the body of Mrs. Denison in the cellar, which was 
then half full of water. He drew her out of the water, and 
laid her near the fire, and then ran and called his mas- 
ter, who was plowing in a close at some little distance, with 
a servant man. On the alarm being given, that Mrs. D. 
was killed, Mr. D. hastened to his habitation. Mr T. 
Oxley, Surgeon, was sent for, and considerably within an hour 
from the body being found he examined it, but could not 
discover an) signs of life, nor so much as the least animal 
heat remaining. It appeared that the murder had been per- 
petrated by a stroke with the crow end of a hammer, by 
which a deep wound was made in the forehead, and the 
body afterwards thrown into the cellar. 

The coroner's inquest was taken, and every circumstance 
minutely examined, in order to fix the guilt of this foul mur- 
der on its real author. Nothing however occurred decisive. 
The servant lad, who found the body, was suspected, taken 
up and tried; but the evidence of the surgeon saved his life. 
He considered it impossible for the body to become cold in 
so short a space of time as had elapsed from the lad be- 
ing seen to enter the house, and his examination of the corpse. 
It was his opinion that the murder had been committed much 
earlier. 

Suspicion arose, from other circumstances, that the perpe- 
petrator of this nefarious deed, must have been either a branch 
of the family, or some one intimate with it. There was a 
mastiff in the house, which would suffer no stranger to enter, 
unless checked by some one acquainted with him ; and as Mrs. 
Denison was the only person left in the house, it is not pro- 
bable, that this dog should permit a stranger to attack her, 
without making a strenuous defence. As the dog was unin- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 433 

After the revolution the park was leased 
off to the Moncton family, with a reservation 
of the rights of the inhabitants of the borough 
of Pontefract, and of the township of Tanshelf, 
to their usual gates and strays. It wholly re- 
mained in the possession of this family till an 
act of Parliament was obtained in the year 
17S0, for dividing and improving this extensive 
district of land. By this act three hundred and 
twenty-five acres were allotted to the inhabitants 
of Pontefract and Tanshelf, in lieu of all their 
rights; and provision was made for its cultivation 
and management. In the preamble to the act, the 
reasons for passing it, and the agreement en- 
tered into by the parties interested, are men- 
tioned: then follows the enacting clauses, in 
which trustees are appointed for that portion 
of the park allotted to the inhabitants of Pon- 
tefract and Tanshelf. The following are the 
words of the act. 

" And to the end and intent the said portion 
or allotment of three hundred and twenty-five 

jured, and in the house when the body was found, it is 
natural to infer, that some person, who had an equal com- 
mand over the dog with Mrs. D., was the murderer. 

Had the murder been committed for the sake of 
plunder, whatever could have been secretly conveyed away, 
the murderer or murderers, would not have left behind. 
On examining the house, the goods were found unmo- 
lested. No drawers had been opened; no search had been 
made after any valuables, the house might contain. 

The lad, though acquitted of the heinous crime, has since 
manifested a depravity which renders the suspicion stronger, 
that he perpetrated the deed. He has been guilty of theft, 
for which he was tried and sentenced to transportation. It 
is singular also, that the vessel in which he sailed was lost, 
and every person on board perished.. 

k k k * 



434 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

acres hereinbefore assigned to and for the bene- 
fit of the said inhabitants, householders resiant 
in the said township of Pontefract and Tanshelf, 
may be appropriated and converted to the best 
advantage, and the pasturage thereof taken and 
enjoyed in the most beneficial manner, and un- 
der proper regulations and restrictions; Be it 
further enacted, That thirty-three male inhabi- 
tants of the township of Pontefract for the 
time being, of the age of twenty one years or 
upwards, whose respective estates shall be the 
highest assessed to the poor rates, within the 
same township* and four male inhabitants of the 
said township of Tanshelf for the time being, 
of the age aforesaid, whose estates shall be 
highest assessed to the poor rates within the 
same township of Tanshelf, such estates being 
freehold or copyhold, or being leasehold, for 
ninety-nine years or a longer term, and held 
in the person's own or bis wife's right, shall be 
and are hereby constituted and appointed per- 
petual trustees for the cultivation, improvement 
and future management of the said portion or 
allotment; and that such trustees, or any seven 
or more of them, assembled at the times and 
places hereinafter mentioned, shall have the full 
exercise of the powers hereinafter contained. " 

" And be it further enacted, That it shall 
and may be lawful to and for a major part of 
the trustees, who shall be present at any meet- 
ing to be held under the authority of this act, 
to elect a chairman to preside at such meeting, 
so as such election be made previous to the 
proceeding in or discussing all other business : 
And in case at any meeting where a chairman.. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 435 

shall have been so elected to preside, there 
shall happen to be an equal number of voices 
for and against any question then put to the 
vote, the said chairman shall have a second or 
casting vote, for the purpose of deciding such 
question " 

" And be it further enacted, That the said 
trustees shall meet at the town's hall in Ponte- 
fract on the twentieth day of April in every year, 
from and after the passing of this act, at ten 
of the clock in the forenoon, and shall then 
and there decide what number of cattle may be 
proper to be taken into the said portion or al- 
lotment the then ensuing summer; which de- 
cision shall, within three days after the said 
twentieth clay of April, be publicly made known 
in the said towns of Pontefract and Tan shelf 
by the common cryer or bellman, and by notice 
to be affixed on the door of the upper church 
in Pontefract aforesaid : And the said trustees 
shall also on the said twentieth day of April 
in every year, choose a proper person to be 
clerk or treasurer, and also another proper per-? 
son to be the Herdsman for the several pur- 
poses hereinafter mentioned , and shall also then 
settle what salary, not exceeding five pounds 
per annum, shall be paid to the said clerk or 
treasurer, and what salary, not exceeding twenty- 
five pounds per annum for the first fifteen years 
from the passing of this act, and not exceeding 
twenty pounds per annum from thenceforth, 
shall be paid to the said Herdsman ; and shall 
also on the said twentieth day of April in every 
year inspect and settle the accounts of the clerk 
or treasurer and herdsman for the preceding 
year." 



436 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

" And be it further enacted, That the said 
Trustees shall meet again on the first day of 
May in every year, at the town's hall aforesaid, 
by ten of the clock in the forenoon, when such 
of the said inhabitants as are desirous of put- 
ting cattle into the said portion or allotment 
shall appear at the said town's hall by them- 
selves or proxies ; and in case a greater number 
of persons shall appear and apply for cattle 
gates in the said portion or allotment than the 
number of cattle decided to be taken in as 
above-mentioned, that then the said persons 
shall write, or cause to be written, their names 
on scrolls of paper, and deliver the same, wrap- 
ped up, to the said clerk or treasurer, who 
shall put them into a box provided for that 
purpose; and after all the said scrolls of paper 
shall be put into the said box, the same shall 
be drawn out by any two of the said trustees; 
and the first drawn scrolls, to the amount of 
the number of cattle decided to be taken in, 
shall have the right to stock the said portion or 
allotment with one gelding, mare or cow each 
the then ensuing summer; and in case there 
shall not be so great a number of persons ap^ 
plying for cattle gates as the number ol cattle 
decided to be taken in as aforesaid, that then 
all the persons so applying shall every one re- 
ceive a ticket to put in one gelding, mare or 
cow, and a ballot shall be taken in manner 
above mentioned which of them shall have a 
right to turn in a second head, and so on in like 
manner for a third, fourth, or greater number, 
until the whole number decided to be taken in 
shall be completed; and from and immediately 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 437 

after it shall have been decided who shall have 
a right to put in cattle as aforesaid, every per- 
son so decided to have a right shall declare 
the species of cattle he or she proposes to put 
into the said portion or allotment ; and each 
such person shah, for evevy gelding or mare, 
immediately pay down to the said clerk or trea- 
surer the sum of ten shillings, and for every 
cow the sum of eight shillings, for the herbage 
or eatage for that season; and that the like 
rates or sums shall be paid in every future year 
by the persons who shall be decided to have a 
right to turn on any geldinq-, mare or cow for 
each season respectively, until the end and ex- 
piration of the term of fifteen years from the 
passing of this act, and afterwards such sum or 
sums, not exceeding the sums above mentioned, 
as the said trustees shall, from time to time, 
order and direct; and in case any person or 
persons shall neglect to pay such money as afore- 
said at the time aforesaid, then the person or 
persons so neglecting shall have no right to 
stock, but the vacancy or vacancies occasioned 
thereby shall be immediately filled up by ballot 
in manner aforesaid out of the persons there ap- 
pearing, who shall not have obtained a right to 
stock, or have obtained a right of stocking with 
the smallest number. " 

" And be it further enacted, That the persons 
who shall have obtained a right of stocking in 
manner aforesaid shall and may put their cattle 
into the said portion or allotment on or after 
the twelfth day of May in every year, and con- 
tinue them there until the tenth day of October 
next following, but not longer; and in case the 



43 S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

gelding, mare, or cow of any person shall hap- 
pen to die, or be sold or exchanged, or if it 
shall happen to be convenient to any such per- 
son to take out such geld'ng, mare or cow, 
that then he or she shall have a right to put in 
another gelding, mare or cow in the stead of 
such gelding, mare or cow, so dying, sold, ex- 
changed, or taken out." 

" And be it further enacted, That another 
meeting of the said trustees shall be held at the 
said town's hall, on the twentieth day of Sep- 
tember in every year, at ten of the clock in 
the forenoon, in order to decide what number of 
sheep only shall be put into the said portion or 
allotment from the tenth day of October to the 
thirteenth day of February in every year, and 
in order to give such directions to the herdsman 
respecting the manner of stocking the said 
portion or allotment with sheep during the time 
aforesaid as they may think proper and neces- 
sary ; and no person whatsoever shall have a 
right to put any kind of stock into the said 
portion or allotment, from the said thirteenth 
day of February to the said twelfth day of 
May;" 

" Provided, always, and be it further enacted. 
That no person shall be permitted to ballot for 
or have a cattle gate in the said portion or 
allotment, who is not, at the time of his or her 
appearing to claim the same, an inhabitant, 
householder resiant within one of the said town- 
ships of Pontefract and Tanshelf; and that all 
fresh cattle put into the said portion or allot- 
ment shall be shewn to the herdsman at the 
time of their being first put in; and that no 



HISTORY OF PONTEFttACT. 439 

cattle shall be put into or continue in the said 
portion or allotment except mares and geldings 
three years old and upwards, and cows in milk 
or with calf, intended to be kept milch cows 
for the owners own use, and not intended to 
be fattened for sale or slaughter; and that no 
person shall take out of the said portion or al- 
lotment his or her gelding* mare or cow, and 
put in another in the stead thereof, oftener 
than twice in a summer, (except in the case 
of the death of such gelding, mare or cow) 
and that no exchange shall be made, except for 
one of the same species; and that no scabbed, 
infectious, or other uncommonable cattle, shall 
be put or continued in the said portion or allot- 
ment on any account whatsoever, nor any cat- 
tle which are not bona fide the property of the 
persons appearing or pretending to be the 
owners thereof, nor any mare having a sucking 
foal." 

In case any person is convicted of putting 
into the park scabbed, infectious, or other un^ 
commonable cattle, or such as are not bona fide 
his, or her own, such person becomes liable to 
a penalty of five pounds. 

The trustees have a power to grant short 
leases for four or seven years, of certain parcels 
of the park, for the improvement thereof such 
parcels not exceeding one hundred acres. They 
have also a right to make brick; but are wholly 
restrained from digging mines, or getting coals. 

The whole of the above mentioned parcels 
of land have been cleared, and after producing 
large crops of grain, converted into excellent 
pasture-ground. The trustees have this year ad- 
mitted three hundred head of cattle. 



440 HISTORY OF PONTEFKACft 

A few years ago, the innkeepers, joined by 
a considerable number of the inhabitants of the 
town, set on foot annual races. Numbers of 
sporting gentlemen, residing in the neighbour* 
hood, encouraged the scheme, and it has been 
carried into execution. The ground of the park 
is considered highly eligible as a course; and 
the ridge above the course as affording one of 
the finest prospects for an immense concourse 
of spectators. A grand stand has also been 
erected ; and hitherto the races have been well 
attended, and the stand filled with fashionables. 

That part of the park which continues to 
belong to his Majesty, as parcel of his dutchy 
of Lancaster, was, by the ahove mentioned act, 
made a new district, to be called Pontefract 
Park District, for which constables, overseers, 
&c. are appointed, and assessments made and 
levied as in other townships. This has been in* 
closed and formed into several good farms. 

The entire park consisted of one thousand 
three hundred and sixty-one acres three roods 
and thirty-seven perches, and is divided and held 
as under. 

A. R. p. 
Allotment belonging to the inhabitants') p.. ft 

resiant of Pontefract and Tan shelf, j 
Rt. Hon. Earl of Gallway, on lease, 871 39 
Mr. Appletree, do. - - 62 0, 36 

Mr. Thistlewaite, do. - - 32! 20 

J. Leatham, Esq. do. - - 33 % 

Roads and drains, - - - - - 171 22 
Amount of the whole, - 136 i 3 37 

His Majesty's portion, - - - 1036 3 37 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 441 

Stump Cross, 

Is on the road from Ferrybridge to Pontefract. 
The shaft of this cross has perished long ago, 
and nothing but the base now remains. At what 
period it was erected, or for what particular 
purpose is uncertain. Browne, in ancient sculp- 
ture and painting, observes, " that the sculptures 
which were on the shaft of this cross, bespeak 
it Roman". These consisted of a circular-headed 
recess with an eagle; foliage, twisted bands, 
paterae, &c*. 

It is not probable that this cross was erected 
so early as the time of the Romans. The shaft 
indeed might be Roman, and erected by that 
people, as a monument of some victory obtained; 
and after the introduction of Christianity, it 
might be chosen to form part of the cross, on 
account of its antiquity and the elegance of its 
workmanship. 

The veneration paid to the cross soon con- 
verted it from its original design, and it was 
made to answer a variety of civil purposes. 
The Romans had their Terminus, the god who 
presided over bounderies and land-marks, and in 
honour of this god they kept the feast termi- 
nalia. The Christians rejecting this profane idol, 
substituted the cross in its place ; and hence 
crosses were erected to mark the boundaries of 
townships and parishes. The Stump-Cross now 

* Vid. Gentlem. Mag, March, 1806, In Gough's edition 
of Camden's Britannia, the figures on three sides or this cross 
are given, but nothing is said from whence they are taken. 
They are, most probably, engraven from some drawings in 
the possession of the Antiquarian society. 

ill * 



44? BISTORT OF! POKTEEHACT. 

answers this end, and was probably erected for 
this purpose, as it is a boundary-stone between 
the townships of' Ferry fry ston and Pontefract. 

Market-Cross. 

Gough reprobates the removal of; St. Os- 
wald's ..cross!, and the erection of the present. 
He says, " and, as if Pontefract was to shew no 
evidence of its former splendor, St. Oswald's 
cross gave place, within these thirty years, to 
an unmeaning market-house." The inhabitants 
of the town and country are* of a very different 
opinion to this celebrated antiquary. They 
enjoy essential benefit from the latter, while the 
former, if it had been suffered to remain, would 
be wholly useless. 

The plate will furnish the reader with an 
idea of this structure; and the only circum- 
stance which merits notice, is some account of 
the man by whose munificence it was erected. 
The following is the inscription. "Erected by 
Mrs. Elizabeth Dupier, relict of Solomon Du- 
pier, gentleman, in a cheerful and generous 
compliance with his benevolent intention, 1734. 

Solomon Dupier is said to have been one 
of the garrison of 'Gibraltar,- at the time it was 
taken by Sir G. Rooke. It is probable that 
there had been some good understanding between 
the admiral and this gentleman, previous to the 
attack made on that place; and the success of 
the attack might in part be owing to 'the' ser- 
vices which he rendered. Whatever truth there 
may be in this conjecture, he came over to- 
England, and together with a, Capt. Lay, who 




THE TO"W^-JEEAUL 



'.Tjftriiw,Litii I< L«eds 



HISTORY- OT PONTEFRACT, 443 

had been with Rooke, came and resided here. 
Tradition makes him a pensioner; and consider- 
ing all things, it is not improbable. 

On the first erection of the cross, the roof 
was flat, and surrounded with a balustrade; but 
the roof decaying it was new roofed in the style 
in -which it is now seen. 

; Town's Hall, 

"This .is. an elegant modern structure. On 
entering the market place from the west, this 
building catches the. eye and arrests the attention. 
The lower part is in the antique style, and 
gives to it the appearance of great strength. 
In this part are two rooms for prisoners. The 
pilJasters which grace the front are of the 
Doric order, and the cornice of the Ionic. 

It was erected on the site of the old 
Mote-Hall, partly at the expence of the corpo- 
ration, and partly of the. county. The quarter 
sessions for the wapentake of Osgoldcross are 
held here. The business done at this sessions 
exceeds that of any other within the Riding. 
Here the cloth searchers are examined and ap- 
pointed; the accompts of the Riding audited and 
settled. The sessions usually continue four or 
five days. 

Theatre, 

m r ) Anxjcus to render the town equal to others 
in the amusements of the age, a number of 
gentlemen built by subscription the theatre. It 
is small but neat. The York company of .come- 



444 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

dians visit the place annually; and since the 

races have been established, they attend at that 
season. 



Ancient Cave. 

In a garden belonging to Mr J, Leatham, 
Banker, is an ancient cave, which has been, 
with great labour, cut put of a fine and solid 
rock. 

There was anciently over the door the word 
Ditis. It is now wholly obliterated, and not the 
least trace of it remains. This word has led 
some of our antiquaries to suppose, " that this 
cave is druidicai, and was formed to be a place 
of worship, where the old Britons invoked Du, 
whom they believed to rule in the lower places." 
This opinion approaches the extravagance of 
fixion. What has the term Ditis to do with 
the Du of the Druids? If this term had any 
meaning, why not affix to it its usual import?* 

On entering, the first thing which is observ- 
able is the cave, extending three yards forwards, 
and four from the right side to' the left. From 
this room directly forward is a descent of 
thirteen steps; and from thence there is a de- 
scent of fifty-nine steps, regularly turning round 
a center, and which terminates in a small bason 
containing excellent water. On one side the 
rock, out of which the whole is cut, a fisure 
is observable, which descends to the bottom. 

* As the word is in the genitive case, it is evident some 
other term must have been connected with it. It is not im- 
probable that the word Domus ought to be supplied, and the 
sense will be " the house of Pluto ; M an inscription which 
perfectly suits any cave or dark recess. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 445 

It is doubtful for what purpose this place 
was formed. Some have conjectured that it was 
intended to be a mansion for the dead. The 
least reflection will convince any man, that this 
conjecture is wide of probability. Is it not 
more natural to suppose, <c that as this cave is 
so near the place where the house of the Biack 
Friers once stood, it was formed by the brother- 
hood, either as a penetentiary exercise, or for 
the purpose of obtaining water? The one or 
the other of these seems the most probable 
eonjecture which can be formed. 



4M iffST^TiY/; fcF ! P'CWTB*fcACT* 



THE 



CORPORATION. 



The Privileges, Customs, and interesting Occur- 
rences relating to it. 

JFROM the earliest records the burgesses en* 
joyed many, and, at that period, very valuable 
privileges; but they possessed no corporate 
rights. The grant of Roger de Lacy *, while 
it confirms the privileges of the burgesses, clearly 
evinces that they possessed no authority, but 
what he condescended to bestow. The office of 
headborough or praetor, a burgess might hold, 
provided he would give as much for it as any 
other person; but any other person was eligible, 
in case he was the highest bidder. 

In this dependent state the burgesses con- 
tinued till the honour of Pontefract became 
the property of the Dukes of Lancaster, and 
the Dukes of Lancaster lost their names in that 
of Kings of England. Richard III. in the first 
of his reign, granted to this borough a charter, 
to be governed by a mayor, recorder, and 
thirteen comburgesses, or aldermen; and before 
the conclusion of the year, a charter of confir- 
mation. The charters are in the usual style, 
* Vid. Ch. No. 1. Appendix. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT; 44.7 

and define and confer the rights and immunities 
ot a corporate body on the burgesses. 

Whether the burgesses had aided and assisted 
■K'cnard in accomplishing his design on the 
crown, or whether he bestowed this boon to 
attach them to his interest, is not easy to de- 
cide The latter conjecture is most probable, 
as Kichard saw the storm now gathering, which 
at last burst upon him, and put an end to his 
cruelties and his life. 

As it was usual for our kings to resume 
the charters of corporate bodies, in order to 
raise money for granting new ones, it is not im- 
probable that Henry VII. resorted to this mea- 
sure, in regard to this borough. In the fourth 
o h,s reign he granted a charter, expressed in 
the same terms as that of Richard, but without 
noticmg or referring to it in any way. 

In the above charter it is ordained, that the 
mayor shall be chosen by the votes of the bur- 
gesses; and the mode that obtained was to -ive 
these votes openly in the Mote-Hall. This 
mode of choosing the mayor became a source 
ot strife and contention among the burgesses- 
and the quarrels and differences which arose from 
one election scarcely subsided before another 
took place which in like manner gave birth to 
others. Thus the town was rent by factions- 
deToyeT iSh6d and g °° d nei S hb <""hood 

To terminate these differences, and restore 
peace and harmony to the town, the burgesses 
appear to have petitioned James I. to « 
new charter, to regulate the mode of choosin- 
the mayor m fature. Accordingly, in the fourth 



44S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACf, 

of his reign, a charter was granted, appointing 
that mode of choosing the mayor which has 
ever since obtained. The mode is this, each 
burgess writes on a scroll of paper, " On the 
fourteenth day of September, in the year of 
our Lord (mentioning the current year) such a 
person is elected mayor of this town or borough." 
The name of the burgess is not signed, but 
the scroll of each is put into a box, then taken 
out by the town clerk, and the alderman, whose 
name is wrote on the greater number of scrolls, 
is declared duly elected; and the scrolls are 
burned, that the handwriting may not be scru- 
tinized, Jeast it should be known for whom, or 
against whom any burgess voted. 

In the charter of Charles II. the same 
rights and privileges are conferred, as in those 
before granted; one clause excepted. The town 
clerk and recorder had hitherto been chosen by 
the mayor; but by this charter the right of 
appointing these he reserves to himself and suc- 
cessors. The nomination is left to the mayor, 
but they are not allowed to enter into office 
without a warrant in that behalf, under the 
King's sign manual, 

James II. eager to introduce popery, availed 
himself of his prerogative to grant charters, to 
accomplish this object. In his charter to this 
borough, he reserves to himself, his heirs and 
successors, the right of removing at pleasure, 
the mayor or any of the aldermen. It is easy 
to perceive his design, in inserting such a clause 
in his charters. It was, that corporate bodies 
might feel their dependence on the crown, and 
be led to support all its pretensions, or be de«: 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 449 

prived of all their privileges, and others more 
obsequious and obedient be substituted in their 
place. 

Previous to the commencement of the civil 
war the corporation appear to have been much 
alarmed, and to have felt themselves incapable 
of performing their duty as liege subjects, in 
maintaining the peace of the town. They 
chose out of the burgesses sixteen, and asso- 
ciated them with themselves, for the better ma- 
nagement of the town's affairs. 

During the civil war, and the siege of the 
castle, the authority of the mayor was superseded 
by the chief commanding officer in the town. In 
this turbulent period, corporate privileges were 
disregarded ; and no other law was admitted to 
be valid than that of the sword. 

On the restoration of Charles II. commis- 
sioners were appointed for regulating corporations, 
by his letters patent, dated Sept. 10, 166'2, at 
which time the following persons were removed 
from their office of aldermen, Leonard Ward, 
John Cooper, Richard Wildman, John Drake, 
and Jarvis Cooper; and these six gentlemen 
were placed in the office of aldermen, the said 
places being void as aforesaid, Wm Wilkinson, 
Jun. Robert Tat ham, Jun. Richard Austwick, 
G. Shillitoe, Jun. Leonard Stables, Jun. and 
Thomas Jackson, Jun. 

The reason of the removal of the above 
gentlemen, was their attachment to the interests 
of the late parliament. Those who had enjoy- 
ed power and authority under the auspices of 
Cromwell were ousted ; and the friends of 
those high prerogative notions which now ob- 
tained, were substituted in their place. 
m m m 



450 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The corporate body, having a right to make 
■ by-laws, exercised this right: and several such 
Jaws were made, which as they strongly mark 
the contracted notions and spirit of the times, 
as well as prove the existence of the Saxon Guilds* 
deserve to be mentioned. By one of these, 
" no man was suffered to set up and follow his 
business and employment within the borough, un- 
less he had served an apprenticeship to the said 
business within the said borough." In conse- 
quence of this law, the burgesses and inhabitants 
who followed any particular occupation, secured 
to themselves all the trad ■ of the place; they 
formed companies Into which no one could be 
admitted, but on the condition specified, By 
another by-law, the condition of apprenticeship 
was changed for a pecuniary consideration; and 
any person, who desired to be admitted a mem- 
ber of any company might obtain the privilege, 
on paying to the mayor, and to the company, 
certain large sums of money. 

There were within the borough, the mercers', 
the drapers' and taylors' companies, &c. and as 
it may gratify curiosity, the following is the 
form of admission into the latter. 

Borough of) 23rd May, 1738. 

Pontefract. f Thomas Hill, Taylor, was then ad- 
mitted free of the Company of Drapers and 
Taylors within the said Borough. 

Witness 
B. Hepwortb, Clerk to the said Company. 

The companies continued to be kept up, as 
appears from the above copy, though they had 



History of pontefractv 45 i 

been abol : shed by a by-law, passed in tbe Mote- 
Hall, Feb. 1. 1*736/ It is said, "that restric- 
tions laid on trade, by preventing the spirit of 
competition, tended greatly to the injury of 
trade, and wa< found to be destructive of the 
posperity of the town ; and in consequence, all 
orders, constitutions and by-laws, heretofore 
made, are repealed, revoked, disannulled, and 
made absolutely void, and that all persons what- 
ever may have free liberty, right and authority 
to use and exercise their respective trades bu- 
sinesses or employments within the said borough 
from henceforth. " 

The corporation are proprietors of about 
fourteen acres of land within the borough, and 
a house in the Shoe-Market, and a Corn- Wind- 
mill, situate in the township of Tanshelf. 

The corporation are also entitled to the fol- 
lowing rents and tolls. 

Certain burgage fee-farm rents, issumg out 
of certain houses and lands within the borough, 
amounting annually to £30. 

A fee-farm rent paid by the King's Receiver. 

A toll of wool, sold in the market, at the 
rate of fa per stone. 

of fruits and vegetables, &c. 

of horses sold at 3d each, and for 

one exchanged 6d. 

of sheep sold at 4d per score. 

■ 2d for every hawker, pedlar, &c. sel- 
ling goods within the borough. 

of boats passing upon the river Air, 

betwixt Temple Hurst and Knottingley Mills, 
for every boat with a cockboat 4d, and for every 
boat without a cockboat 2d, 



452 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

A toll from the butchers and other stalls 
every market day 2d each. 

On the first market-day after Michaelmas, 
each butcher pays 6d for his stand, called book- 
ing-money. 

From butchers and others, at St. Andrew's 
Fair, Twenty-Day Fair, Candlemas Fair, Palm- 
Sunday Fair, L >w-Sunday Fair, Trinity Fair, 
and St. Giles* Fair, for their stand 4d each. 

On the market-day before Christmas, called 
Castle-Farm, each butcher pays 6d for his stand. 

Every butcher that has only a stall in the 
market on Christmas-Eve pays 12d each. 

If any . person come on St. Giles' Monday, 
who was not there on Saturday, he pays 4d, but 
all persons that paid on Saturday are exempt 
on Monday. 

If any butcher die, or neglect to make use 
of his stall for six months, the corporation has 
the disposal thereof. 

A toll, called Gate Law Toll, of one Id for 
every waggon or wain bound with iron, and one 
halfpenny for every bare wain. 

Out of these rents and tolls, the corporation 
pay a reserved rent of «£49. 13.?. formerly be- 
longing to the crown, but now to the Right 
Honourable Lord Elliot. 

They also pay various small salaries to their 
officers. 

Since the incorporation of the borough, the 
following is the list of the mayors down to the 
present time. 

RICHARD III. HENRY VII. 

1 John Hill, - - 1484. 2 Nicholas Green, 1485, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



453 



9. 

1500. 

1. 



3 William Sadler, i486. 

4 Richard Jackson, 7. 

5 William Strother, S. 

6 Robert Austwick, 9. 

7 Jos. Springail, 1490. 
S Robert Gellis, 1. 
9 John Adams, - 2. 

10 Richard White, 3. 

11 Thomas Butler, 4. 

12 John Hill, - - 5. 

13 John Hill, - - 6. 

14 John Hill, - - 7. 

15 John Watson, 8. 

16 John Hodgson, 

17 Robert Moor, 

18 Richard Grave, 

19 Tho. Huntingden, 2. 

20 Wni. Wakefield, 3. 

21 Henry Austwick, 4. 

22 Thomas Smith, 5. 

23 William Purser, 6. 

24 Robert Ward, 7. 

25 Dionis Austwick, 8. 

HENRY VIII. 

26 Thomas Cook, 9. 

27 Thomas Ellisley, 10. 

28 Robert Gibson, 11. 

29 John Hodgson, 12. 

30 Henry Butler, 13. 

31 John Strother, 14. 

32 Thomas Ynce, 15. 
£3 William Purser, 16. 

34 John Iilingworth, 17. 

35 Thomas Smith, 18. 

36 William Hodgson, 19. 

37 Roger Chapman, 20. 

38 John Grave, 1521. 

39 William Nelson, 2. 

40 William Purser, 3. 



41 Rob. Harrison, 1524. 
4;2 Roger Jackson, 5. 

43 Joim $ akerkld, 6. 

44 Thomas Hodgson, 7. 

45 Lionel Ronlston, 8. 

46 William Hodgson, 9. 

47 Wdiiam inwms, 1530. 

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 

1540. 
1. 



48 William Norton, 

49 Roger Wedderton, 

50 Robert Harrison, 

5 1 Vv m. Wilbore, 

52 Peter Wakefield, 

53 Lionel Roulston, 

54 Wm. Hodgson, 

55 Richard vViibore, 

56 Robert Farnell, 

57 Edmund Tyas, 

58 John Skipton, 

59 Tho. Austwick, 2. 

60 John Wakefield") 
and Rob. Farmer, ) 

6 1 Allen Airey, - 4. 

62 William Hodgson, 5. 

63 John Atkinson, 6. 

64 John H(;dg'son, 7. 

65 Richard Wdoore, 8. 

66 Tho. Wakefield, 9. 

67 William Norton, 1550. 

68 Alien Airev, - i. 

69 Robert Robinson, 2. 

70 Thomas Holgate, 3. 

71 Richard Wilbore, 4. 

72 Tho. Ednngton, 5. 

73 John Oidfield, 6. 

74 Boniface Savage, 7, 

QUEEN ELIZABETH. 

75 Richard Wilbore, 8. 

76 Tho. Austwkk, 9. 

77 Stephen Eldsley, 1560. 



454 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



QUEEN ELIZABETH. 

78 Rich. Wilbore, 1561. 

79 Rowland Savage, 2. 

80 John Skipton, 3. 

81 Tho. Holgate, 4. 

82 Leo. Heaiaugh, 5. 

83 P. Etherington, 6. 

84 John Skipton, 7. 

85 Richard Wilbore, 8. 

86 Boniface Savage, 9. 

87 Tho. Wakefield, 1570. 

88 P. Etherington, 

89 P. Etherington, 

90 W. Colebeck, 

91 Peter Skelton, 

92 Boniface Savage, 

93 P. Etherington, 

94 Ralph Airie, 

95 John Skipton, 

96 John Eldsley, 

97 W r m. Colebeck, 1580. 

98 Thomas Crosby, 

99 Edward Rusby, 

100 Robert Cook, 

101 Henry Farnell, 

102 Rich. Tn waits, 

103 Wm. Savage, 

104 Henry Farnell, 

105 Boniface Savage, 
1Q6 Allen Austwick, 
107 Richard Thwaits, 1590. 
10S John Bramhall, 1. 

109 Tho. Robinson, 2. 

110 Wm. Stable, 

1 1 1 Allen Austwick, 

112 W. By water, 

113 Henry Farnell, 

114 Rich. Thwaits, 

115 Wm. Savage, 

116 Allen Eldsley, 



1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 



1. 

2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 



3. 

4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 



117 John Frank, 1600. 

118 James Moore, 1. 

119 John Bramhall. 2. 

JAMES i. 

120 Tho. Chattel, 3. 

121 Josh. Wakefield, 4. 

122 John Skipton, 5. 

123 Tho. Stable, 6. 

124 Peter Rodgers, 7. 

125 William Tatham, 8. 
1 6 Allen Austwick, 9. 

127 Wm. By water, 10, 

128 Rich. Thwaits, 11. 

129 Rich. Bullock, 12. 

130 Josh. Wakefield, 13. 

131 John Frank, 14. 

132 Wm. Ta ham, 15. 

133 John Eastwood, 16. 

134 L onard Ward, 17. 

135 Wm. Wilkinson, 18. 

136 Peter Skipton, 19, 

137 Tho. Austwick, 20. 

138 Tho. Raisin, 1. 

139 William Oates, 2. 

140 Stephen Co wper, 3, 

141 Tho. Hitchin, 4, 

142 Maxim. Adams, $. 

CHARLES I. 

143 Rich. Clement, 6. 

144 Edward Rusby, 7. 

1 45 Robert Moore, 8. 

146 Matt. Hard wick, 9. 

147 Rob. Moore & 7 j 63Q 
Maxim. Adams, j 

148 Wm. Tatham, 1. 

149 Wm. Gates, 2. 
1 50 Leonard Ward, 3. 
151 Tho. Hitchin, 4, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



455 



CHARLES I. 

1 52 Nich. Stable, 1635. 

153 Maxim. Adams, 6. 

154 Robert Frank, 7. 

155 Tho. Wilkinson, 8. 

1 56 Tho. Austwick, 9. 

157 John Tatham, 1640. 

1 58 John Wilkinson, 1. 

159 R chard Oates, 2. 

160 Jarvis Shillito*, 3. 

161 Ditto, - 4. 

162 John Skurr, 5. 

1 63 John Ramsden, 6, 

164 Edward Field, 7. 

165 Matt. Frank, 8. 

CHARLES II. 

166 John Cowper, 9. 

167 Leonard Ward, 1650, 

168 Robert Frank, 1. 

169 Christ. Long, 2. 

170 William Oatcs, 3. 

171 Christ. Long-, 4. 

172 Richard Oates") 
and Rob. Moor**, j 

173 John Ramsden, 6. 

174 Robert Cowper, 7. 

175 Rich. Wiklman, 8. 

176 John Frank, 9. 

177 Nich. Stable, 1660. 
173 Rich. Smith, 1. 

179 Wm. Wilkinson, 2. 

180 Rich. Austwick, 3. 



181 Rob. Tatham, 1664. 

182 Ditto, - 5. 

183 Geo, Shillito, 6. 

184 Tho. Jackson, 7. 

185 John Rusby, 8. 

186 Francis Kellam, 9. 

187 John Johnson, 1670. 

188 Samuel Taylor, 1. 

189 John Frank, 2. 

190 Edward Holcott, 3. 

191 Christ. Hay ford, 4. 

192 William Oates, 5. 

193 Francis Farrer, 6. 

194 Rich. Austwick, 7. 

195 Rob. Tatham, 8. 

196 George Shillito, 9. 

197 Tho.^Jackson, 1680. 

198 William Oates, 1. 

199 John Rusby, 2. 

200 Ditto, - - 3. 

201 John Knowles, 4. 

JAMES IT. 

202 William Coates, 5. 

203 Francis Kellam, 6. 

204 Hastings Sayle. 7. 

205 John Johnson 
and Sam. Tay 



ison 7 
dor, j 



WILLIAM AND MARY. 

206 Peter Mason, 9. 

207 William Stables, 1690. 

208 Thomas Taylor, 1 . 



* On the commencement of the civil war, Jarvis Shillito, 
the mayor, fled to the castle; and it appears he continued in 
office during the year 1643 and 164-4. Though some one of 
the aldermen was regularly chosen mayor, yet their civil au- 
thority within the borough, during the different sieges of 
the castle, was wholly annulled by that of the military. 



456 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



209 Jarvis ShiUito, \692» 


GEORGE II. 




210 Wm. Burgess") 
and John Frank, 3 


3. 


242 W. K itchingman, 1 72 5, 

243 Wiiiiam Lee, 6. 


211 Thomas Sayle, 


4. 


244 W. Kitchingman, 


7. 


212 Wiiiiam Brame, 


5. 


1^45 John Keilam, 


8. 


21S Banno. Bateman, 


6. 


246 Lawrence Fox, 


9, 


214 Thomas Routh, 


7. 


247 W. Harvev, Esq. 1730. 


215 Hastings Sayle, 


8. 


,248 JosephKitchingman, 1. 


216 William Coates, 


9. 


249 John Kitchingman, 


2. 


117 William Stables, V 


'00. 


250 John Lee,- 


3. 






25 1 Joshua Wilson, 


4. 


QUEEN ANNE. 




252 John Perfect, 


5. 


218 Thomas Taylor, 


1. 


253 Lawrence Foxl 
and John Keilam, 3 


6' 


219 Sir J. Bland, Bart. 


2. 


220 Hastings Sayle, 


3. 


254 John Stephenson. 


7. 


221 George Holcott, 


4. 


255 William Crewe, 


8. 


222 Thomas Sayle, 


5. 


256 Ld. Vic. Gallway, 


9. 


223 Richard Routh, 


6. 


257 John Bruce, ] 


1440. 


224 Thomas Taylor, 


7. 


258 John Stephenson, 


1. 


225 John Keilam, 


8. 


359 Tho. Whiteman, 


2. 


226 George Skipton, 


9. 


360 Joshua Wilson, 


3- 


227 Mich.Waterhou.se, 


10. 


361 William Lee, 


4. 


228 Thomas Taylor, 


11. 


262 William Drake, 


5. 


229 Rob. Sharpass) 
and Wm. Coates, 3 


12. 


263 J. Kitchingman, 


6. 


264 John Kitchingman, 7. 






265 Joshua Wilson, 


8. 


GEORGE 1. 




266 Sam. Sahonstall, 


9. 


230 Robert Lowther, 


13. 


267 Joshua Wilson, 


1750. 


231 William Lee, 


14. 


268 William Crewe, 


1. 


232 HastmgsSayle, 7 
and Law. Fox, 3 


15. 


269 John Perfect, 


2. 


270 John Bruce, 


3- 


233 William Lee, 


16. 


271 Richard Sugden, 


4. 


234 George Skipton, 


17. 


272 John Bright, 


5;. 


2 35 Thomas Mason, 


18. 


273 Butler Lucas, 


6. 


236 George Skipton, 


19. 


274 Lawrence Fox, 


7. 


237 Wm Kitchingman 


,20. 


275 George Swiney, 


8, 


238 Lawrence Fox, 


L 






239 George Jenings, 


2. 


GEORGE III. 




240 John Keilam, 


3. 


276 William Perfect, 


9* 


241 George Jenings, 


4. 


277 J. Kitchingman, 


1760 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 



457 



GEORGE III. 

278 William Lamb* 1763. 

279 Thomas Taylor, 4. 

280 Joshua Wilson, 5. 

281 Sam. Saltonstall, 6. 

282 T o. Popplcwell, 7. 

283 William Crewe, 8. 

284 R chard Sugden, 9. 

285 Thomas Taylor, 1770 

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 



2S6 William Cockell, 

287 John Perfect, 

288 Thomas Taylor, 

289 William Cockell, 

290 William Perfect, 

291 Butler Lucas, 

292 Law. Fox, and ") 
Sam. Saltonstall, J 

293 Rob Davison, 

294 William Perfect, 

295 William Cockell, 1780. 

296 John Seaton, 1. 

297 Wm. Tomlinson, 2. 

298 John Seaton, 3. 

299 William Cockell, 4. 



7. 



9. 



300 Wm. Tomlinson, 1785. 

301 John Perfect, 6. 

302 Thomas Taylor, 7. 

303 John Seaton, 8. 

304 Wm. Tomlinson, 9. 

305 John Willott, 1790, 

306 Thomas Taylor, 1. 

307 William Cockell, 2. 

308 Jchn Perfect, 3. 

309 John Seaton, 4. 

310 John Hepworth, 5. 

3 1 1 Wm. Tomlinson, 6. 

312 John Willott, 7. 

313 Grosvenor Perfect, 8. 

314 George Alderson, 9. 

315 Joseph Marshall, 1800. 

316 Thomas Taylor, 1. 

317 Wm. Cockell,! 
and John Seaton, j 

318 Win. Tomlinson, 3. 

319 Robert Seaton, 4. 

320 John Willot, 5. 

321 Joseph Marshall, 6. 



* In printing from another copy of the list of mayors, 
and on comparing it with the old corporation book, it was 
found that an error of two years had been admitted. In the 
old corporation book, no mayors are specified for the years 
1688 and 1689, the period of the glorious revolution; so that 
the reader is desired to observe, that the mayoralty of John 
Johnson and Samuel Taylor was in the year 1690, and that 
of the rest in regular succession. 



^ a n 



* 



458 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACTi 

Parliamentary History of the Bo? y ough* 

From the era of the conqtiest, the oppres* 
sions of the crown compelled the barons to 
unite in defence of their own order and privi- 
leges; and to give success to their effort s* they 
associated their own cause with that of the 
people. Hence they obtained the Magna Charta* 
the foundation of British liberty. The people 
however had no security for the punctual exe- 
cution of this charter, while they were destitute 
of any legislative authority. During the long 
reign of Henry til. the charter was neglected; 
and the barons and the people had no other 
way left to enforce the observance of it, than 
by drawing the sword. Henry, always in need 
of supplies, conceded to their wishes in appear- 
ance, till he had obtained what he wanted, 
and then reverted again to his usual tyranny 
and oppression. At length the barons took the 
chief part of the executive power from the 
crown, and lodged it in the hands of a council, 
formed of twenty-four of their own body. 

Thus, after a considerable struggle, the ari- 
stocracy seem to have triumphed, and the crown 
was sufficiently humbled. The aristocracy had 
prevailed through the assistance of the people; 
and the great Earl of Leicester, as well to se- 
cure his own power as to gratify the nation, 
adopted the expedient of summoning to parlia- 
ment, two knights of each shire, and two bur- 
gesses for each borough. 

Edward I. had seen the kingdom rent by 
the weakness and profligacy of his father's reign. 
Prudent to discern defects, and prompt to ap- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 459 

ply proper remedies, in his reign numerous and 
excellent laws were enacted; laws which gave 
to the House of Commons its legal origin, and 
which have been justly considered s the bul- 
warks of liberty. The Magna Charta secured 
the persons of Englishmen, and the law of the 
twenty-fourth of Edward enacts, " That no tax 
should be laid, no impost levied, without the 
joint consent of lords and commons." 

Fiom this period, kinghts of shires and bur- 
gesses were regularly summoned to parliament. 
The journals of the house incontestablv prove, 
that as early as th's reign, this borough returned 
members. 

The contests between the houses of Lancas- 
ter and York, and the part the burgesses took 
in them, reduced them to such poverty, that 
they were unable to support their representa- 
tives; and for some reigns ceased to send any*. 
In the tenth and eleventh of Henry VI. writs 
were sent to the mayor, but the return made 
was, that they could not send burgesses by 
reason of their poverty. The borough continued 
without representatives till the reign of James I. 
who granted them " all their former liberties 

* Glanville, who is probably more accurate, though his 
account is of less technical authority, says, " That Pontefract 
discontinued b^ing a parliamentary borough From the time of 
King Edward 1." and he adds, " That by reason of the long 
discontinuance of the borough, there did not appear any 
known u>age or prescription by whom the election should be 
made." Glan. p. 141. Is it not more probab'e, that the borough 
sent members after the reign of Edward I. tnan that it should 
discontinue from that period? Indeed, it would be more pro- 
per to say, that it never sent any, than to maintain it dis- 
continued to send burgesses to parliament, as the House of 
Commons was only then regularly formed and assembled. 



460 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and customs, notwithstanding they had been 
forfeited or lost." 

By whom were the burgesses or representa- 
tives chosen? None of the charters regulate or 
even mention by whom or in what manner, 
the members of parliament should be chosen. 
Different customs prevail in different places. In 
some boroughs, the members are chosen by the 
freemen; in others by burgesses, in possession 
of burgage tenure freehold; and in others by 
the inhabitants resiant. By the charters of the 
Lacies, a person who possessed a toft, and paid 
one shilling to the lord as a fee-farm rent, is 
styled a burgess; and the toft thus held, was 
held by burgage tenure. In these charters, he 
who held half a toft, or any part of a toft, is 
declared to be free as if he held a whole toft. 
He who dwells in a mansion house, is declared 
to be as free as if he were a burgess*. 

In the charter of incorporation, the burgesses 
only who were in possession of a burgage ten- 
ure, are invested with corporate privileges. But 
as this merely relates to the internal govern- 
ment of the borough, it does not determine who 
had the right to vote for members to serve in 
parliament. Is it improbable, that as members 
of parliament, at that period, received w ? ages 
from their constituents, the burgesses allowed 



* Does this clause justify the inference, that any respect- 
able person, who rented a house of a burgess, was treated as 
if he held a burgage freehold ? — that he enjoyed the same pri- 
vileges and rights? Such appears to be the sense of the pas- 
sage ; and should it be admitted, it will follow, that every 
free person, every person who was not in slavery, who had a 
will of his own, became by residence a burgess. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 461 

the inhabitants at large to vote, in order to 
throw a part of the expence on them * ? 

In the eighteenth of James I. Geo. Skillet 
and Edmund Sandys, Jan. were returned the 
first members after the borough was restored. 
There is no account on record of any opposi- 
tion to these gentlemen, nor how or by whom 
they were elected. In the general election the 
twenty-first of James I. the oid members de- 
clined, and Sir Thomas Went worth and Sir H. 
Holcroft were returned. The latter gentleman 
had the honour to be elected the representative 
of another borough; and as being doubly re- 
turned, he was under the necessity of choosing 
for which of the boroughs he would sit. He 
waved Pontefract, in consequence of which a 
new writ was ;sMied, and two candidates offered. 
These were Sir John Jackson, and Sir Richard 
Beaumont. The sheriff made this return to the 
house, iC Two days after the writ, the mayor 
and aldermen told him thev had chosen Sir J. 
Jackson. Afterwards, the 11th of March, di- 
vers other aldermen told him they had chosen 
Sir Richard Beaumont." The sheriff returned 

* For more than a century the wages of the commons 
were sometimes higher and sometimes lower ; but in the reign 
of Edward III. they were fixed tor knights of the shire at 
four shillings per day, and tvco shillings for a citizen or bur- 
gess. They thought this reasonable, that as they served the 
public, the public ought to pay them; nor had they any notion 
that tins custom would ever be considered dishonourable and 
abolished. It was attended with one good effect, as it secured 
the attendance of members of the House of Commons ; be- 
cause those who did not attend from the first to the last day 
received no wages. The celebrated Andrew Marvel, member 
for Hull, was the last person who received wages from his 
constituents. Hen. Hist. 



462 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

two indentures. That for Sir John Jackson was 
signed by the mayor, aldermen and burgesses. 
That for Sir Richard Beaumont by four or five 
aldermen, and upwards of twenty burgesses. 

Sir John Jackson, though the returns,, of 
the sheriff were irregular, was permitted, if he 
chose, to take his seat in the house; and Sir 
Richard Beaumont and his friends petitioned. 
Sir Thomas Wentworth, the sitting member, pre- 
sented the petition; and it appears from what 
was stated in the petition, that there was as 
much animosity, intrigue, and party spirit, dis- 
played then at elections as now. The mayor, 
before any writ came, undertook to secure the 
return of Sir John Jackson. A number of recu- 
sants and Papists were brought into the town; 
and about forty of them were made burgesses, 
in order to carry the election. From this fact 
it appears, that the practice of making sham 
conveyances of burgage tenures, which after- 
wards prevailed in this borough, was then re- 
sorted to; and the number of burgage tenures 
possessed by persons who were not inhabitants, 
exceeded that of the resident burgesses. 

When the day of election came, the mayor, 
and those in his interest, treated their opponents 
with insult. They would not permit the friends 
of Sir Richard Beaumont, to enter the Mote- 
Hall, but shut the doors against them. Sir R. 
Beaumont, had ground to petition against such 
outrageous and arbitrary proceedings. The peti- 
tion was referred to the committee of privileges; 
and Mr. Glanville, on the 28th of May, 1624, 
reported for Pontefract two points. " First, who 
the electors. Resolved by the committee, there 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 463 

being no charter, nor prescription for choice, the 
election is to he made by the inhabitants, house- 
holders, resiants. Secondly, the committee re- 
solved, that no burgess duly chosen, and a new 
warrant should issue for a new choice!'* 

This decision must have been sanctioned 
by the house, as nothing is said to the contrary. 
According to Glanville, Sir R. Beaumont pre- 
tended that the right of election was in the free- 
holders resiant in the borough only. From this it 
should seem, that the resiant burgesses claimed 
the right in exclusion of out-dwellers. The deci- 
sion of the house against both parties, shews at 
least that there was then no prescriptive right 
or usage, either for the resiant burgesses, or for 
persons in the possession of a burgage freehold, 
to choose the members to serve in parliament. 
But whether the inhabitants at large did actu- 
ally vote, according to this decision, is uncer- 
tain. It is also uncertain who was returned, in 
consequence of a new writ being issued. In the 
first of Charles I. Sir John Jackson and Sir R. 
Beaumont were returned without opposition; but 
the latter gentleman dying in the same year, 
Francis Foljamb was chosen in his rlace. 

From this period a few neighbouring gentle- 
men divided the borough, ancf there was no 
contest previous to the civil wars. Henry Ar- 
thington and William White, were the repre- 
sentatives of the borough in the long parlia- 
ment. On Cromwell becoming Protector, John 
Lord Lambert and Sir John Hewley were re- 
turned. In 1660 there was a warm contest, 
and three members were returned; they were 
however returned on the burgage tenure interest, 



464? HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

and the right of election dbes not seem to have 
been in litigation. On the 16th of May the 
committe reported, " That upon examination of 
the fact, it appeared, that Sir George Saville 
and William Lowther, Esq. had the greatest 
number of voices, and ought to sit;" and the 
house resolved accordingly. 

In the year 169-5 a similar contest arose, 
on the same interest. Sir William Lowther, 
Mr. Moncton and Sir John Bland stood can- 
didates. The two first gentlemen were returned, 
and Sir John Bland petitioned, stating, " That 
several undue practices were used by the mayor 
and others, in threatening several that would 
have voted for the petitioner; and denying others; 
and by setting down several for the sitting mem- 
bers, who were not qualified to vote." Whe- 
ther the parties came to an agreement, or whe- 
ther Sir John Bland, on examination, found that 
be had not sufficient ground to proceed on, he 
withdrew his petition. 

In the year 1698 a warm contest took 
place between John Bright, Esq. Sir John 
Bland, and Robert Moncton, Esq. Sir John 
Bland was supported by the Lowther interest, 
and the contest lay between Sir John Bright 
and Robert Moncton. The two parties seem to 
have been nearly equal in strength ; J. Bright 
having seventy-two votes and R. Moncton seventy. 
The members returned of course were Sir John 
Bland and J. Bright, Esq. R. Moncton, Esq, 
petitioned; and it appeared from evidence pro- 
duced in the committee, that one burgage had 
been split into four by sham conveyances, and 
that on both sides the most scandalous and illegal ; 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 465 

practices bad been used. It was resolved by 
this committee, " That the right of election was 
agreed to be in such persons as have inherit- 
ance, or freehold of burgage tenure within the 
said borough." The house, on the report of the 
committee, considered, that neither J. Bright 
nor R. Moncton had been duly elected, and a 
new writ was ordered to be issued. 

The same candidates again offered, the same 
persons voted as before. J. Bright was again 
returned, and R. Moncton again petitioned. 
Before the petition was investigated the parlia- 
ment was dissolved, and at the general election, 
1701, Sir W. Lowther and Sir John Bland were 
returned without opposition. 

These gentlemen were chosen in three short 
successive parliaments, and no contest arose till 
1713, when four candidates offered for the bo- 
rough. These were Mr. Dawney, Mr. Frank, 
Sir W. Lowther and Mr. Bethel. The two lat- 
ter opposed the two former. After a long and 
violent contest, Dawney and Frank were re- 
turned, and the other two petitioned. When 
the petition came to be examined, it appeared, 
" that Robert Lowther, the mayor, and Mr. 
Frank, who was the recorder of the borough, 
and Mr. Abbot, the town's clerk, had refused 
to admit many legal votes for the petitioners; 
and had admitted many illegal ones for the sit- 
ting members. Abbot, who as town's clerk 
had the making up of the fee-farm book every 
year for the mayor, wherein the different tenures 
were distinguished, and all the burgages truly 
entered, had marked several as burgage tenants 
who were not so 5 and omitted others who were. 

000 



466 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

The committee came to the resolution, that the 
two sitting members were not duly elected, 
and that the petitioners were; which the house 
agreed to. 

From this period the burgage freeholds 
were chiefly engrossed by one or two families; 
and these either sat for the borough them- 
selves, or sent whom they pleased. Tfce Low- 
ther family had the "greatest number, and 
of course the greatest interest. Sir William 
Lowther about the year 1734 sold his burgage 
tenures and property to William Moncton, 
Lord Gallway, in whose family they have con- 
tinued. 

At the general election, 1768, several bur- 
gesses resiant in the borough, began to question 
the right of persons who did not dwell in the 
said borough, though in possession of a bur- 
gage freehold, to vote for members to serve in 
parliament. The burgesses resiant were highly 
dissatisfied with the prevailing practice of making 
sham conveyances, and bringing men from a 
distance, who had no connection with the town, 
to vote. They stated their views and wishes 
to a worthy neighbouring baronet, Sir R. Winn; 
and he generously undertook to try the merits 
of the cause. He appeared in the town, and 
was hailed as a deliverer. 

As the cause of freedom is generally the 
cause the people ardently espouse, this gentle- 
man received all the popular support which 
could be expected. Possessed of an ample for- 
tune, and naturally liberal and generous, he 
spared no expence. Before the Lion Inn a 
sheep was roasted whole, balls were given, and 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 467 

the spirit of the party kept up by the methods 
generally adopted on such occasions. To in- 
dicate the downfall and political death of the 
Sham interest, the bells were muffled, and the 
dumb peal rung. The other candidates were 
W. Moncton, Lord Gallway, and H. Strachey. 

When the poll commenced, the most violent 
and unjustifiable measures were rursued by the 
populace. Many out-voters were prevented 
from appearing and exercising what they judged 
their right. Numbers of sailors and others from 
Knottingley came to the town, and in connec- 
tion with some of the inhabitants, disturbed the 
peace, and raised a furious riot. The. houses of 
the mayor and recorder were assaulted; and all 
the windows in front wholly destroyed. Much 
damage was done, and the personal safety of 
those in the sham interest endangered. The 
mayor was compelled to return Lord Gallway 
and Sir R. Winn, 

An action was brought against several of 
the more active rioters; and at the next assizes 
they were tried and convicted. Lord Gallway 
and H. Strachey, Esq. petitioned, statins: " that 
the returning officer had been compelled by force 
to return Sir R. Winn with Lord Gallway; and 
that a great majority of legal voters would have 
presented themselves, and voted for Mr. Stra- 
chey, if they had not been intimidated by the 
violence of several hundred rioters, armed with 
bludgeons and other offensive weapons. " When 
the matter of these petitions came to be tried 
at the bar of the house, the house resolved, 
<" That the counsel be confined to proceed only 
upon the allegations of the said petitions, which 



468 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

complain of the freedom of the said election 
being disturbed by rioters." After hearing coun- 
sel and examining witnesses, the election was 
declared to be void; and a new writ was or- 
dered to be issued. 

On this determination of the house, a 
gentleman in the lobby, who had been searching 
the journals of the house, and had met with 
Glanville's report concerning Pontefract in the 
year 1624, said, " That the right to vote was 
neither in the burgesses resident, nor non-re- 
sident; but in the inhabitants, householders re- 
siant." Some gentlemen, warm in supporting 
Sir R. Winn's interest, on hearing this, took 
new spirit; the journals were examined, and the 
report found to be as stated. 

Having taken the opinion of counsel and of 
friends, the worthy baronet posted down; and, 
together with his brother Mr. Edward Winn, 
offered himself a candidate to represent the bo- 
rough, on the right of the inhabitants. Lord 
Galiway and H. Strachey, Esq, again stood on 
the burgage tenure interest; and were of course 
returned, as the mayor, the returning officer, 
was obliged to make the return in the usual 
manner*. Sir K. Winn and his brother now 
became the petitioners, together with certain in- 

* By 7 and 8 Will. III. cap. 7. § 1. it is enacted, 
" That, in case any person or persons shall return any mem- 
ber to serve in parliament, for any county, city, borough, 
cinque-port, or place, contrary to the last determination in the 
House of Commons of the right of election in such county, 
city, &c. such return so made shall be adjudged to be a false 
return." 

This made the last determination of the house binding on 
returning officers. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 469 

habitants, householders, in their interest, Dec. 
14, 1768, on the ground of the resolution in 
the year 16^24. 

At this period election causes were referred 
to a committee of privileges and elections; and 
rejected or confirmed by the whole house. From 
this it is evident, that whatever might be the 
merits of the cause, the candidate who had a 
majority of the house in his favour, would be 
triumphant. In most election litigations the 
house did not so much consider the justice of 
the claims as to what party the candidates be- 
longed. If the sitting members were in the in- 
terest of the ministers their right was almost uni- 
formly established; and the claims of the peti- 
tioners disregarded. If, on the other hand, the 
petitioners were on the side of the ministry, 
their claims were established, and the sitting 
members rejected. In short, to bring in the 
favourite candidate, and strengthen the majority 
by a new voice, every fence of law, justice, 
and even decency was broken down. 

Sir R. Winn waited on the Duke of Grafton, 
the minister, who referred the case to the law 
officers, and was favourably inclined to it; but the 
duke going out of office, Lord North succeeded 
as Chancellor of the Exchequor. Sir R. Winn 
waited on this gentleman, who assured him that 
he was also favourable to the claim of the in- 
habitants of Pontefract, but observed, that he 
could not take it up as a ministerial measure. 
He recommended to this gentleman to make 
what interest he could by personal application 
to the members of the house, that when the 
petition came to be considered they might un- 



470 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

derstand the grounds of it. The worthy baronet 
not having been in the house, his personal inte- 
rest with the members was inconsiderable; nor 
could he, after every possible exertion, succeed 
in procuring that attention to his cause which 
its merit deserved. The hearing of the petitions 
was by repeated adjournments put off to Feb. 
6, 1770. 

By an act of the second of George II. the 
last determination of the house respecting contro- 
verted elections was rendered final*. When the 
petition came to be considered, a doubt arose how 
far the entries in the two journals of May 28, 1624, 
were to be considered as the last determination 
of the house, within the meaning of the act of 
George II. counsel was heard to that point, 
after which, " A motion was made, and the 
question being put, the two entries of the 28th 
day of May 1624 of resolutions concerning the 
right of election for the borough of Pontefract, 
appearing in two several journals, be admitted 
to be read to the counsel at the bar, as the 
last determination of the house, touching the 
legality of votes for members to serve in par- 
liament for that borough; the house divided, and 
it passed in the negative, 161 to 32." On this 
the counsel for the petitioners desired that leave 
might be given to withdraw their petitions, but 
this was objected to by the counsel on the 
other side, who desired to offer evidence to 

* The clause of the statute runs thus, "That such- votes 
shall be deemed to be legal which have been so declared by 
the last determination in the House of Commons, which last 
determination concerning any county, shire, city, borough, 
cinque-port, or place, shall be final to all intents and purjwses 
whatsoever, any usage to the contrary notwithstanding."- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 471 

establish the right of election. The house re- 
solved, That the petitions should not be witl> 
drawn. The counsel for the petitioners declined 
giving the house further trouble. The counsel 
on the other side examined a witness to prove 
the right to be in the freeholders of burgage 
tenure; and produced several returns to shew 
that the elections were made by the mayor 
and burgesses. They then read the entries in 
the Journals of 17th Jan. 1699—1700, and of 
24th of March 1715 — 16, on which the house 
came to a resolution determining the right as 
follows : 

6 February, 1770. Resolved, " That the 
right of election for members to serve in par- 
liament for the borough of Pontefract, in the 
county of York, is in persons having within the 
said borough a freehold of burgage tenure, pay* 
ing a burgage rent." 

Thus alter an arduous struggle, and after 
having spent a sum of money equal to what 
might have supported a contest for the county, 
the burgage interest appeared to be more firmly 
established, by the efforts which had been made 
to overturn it. It did not seem probable 
that any future attempt would be made on the 
right of the inhabitants. Their cause appeared 
now to be hopeless and desperate; nor was 
there the least probability that it would ever 
be established. 

In the year 1770 the Grenv'lle act was pas- 
sed. By this act a committee is appointed by 
ballot, to consist of fifteen members, to settle 
controverted elections, two of which are nomi- 
nees. This committee has power to examine 



472 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

witnesses on oath; to hear counsel; and its de* 
cision is final. The committee being chosen by 
ballot, the minister cannot avail himself of his 
majority to support the candidate in his inte- 
rest. As the appeal to the house, hitherto al- 
lowed, is taken away, no undue influence can 
be used ; for the committee, it is probable, will 
consist of men of different parties; and the me- 
rits of the cause, it may be presumed, and not 
the men, will regulate its determination. 

At the general election in 1774 Sir R. Winn, 
though strongly solicited by the inhabitants, 
and by his friend, the Hon. C. Fox, declined 
offering himself as a candidate, on the right of 
the inhabitants. The expences he had already in- 
curred, and the probability that he would not suc- 
ceed, appear to have induced him to adopt this 
determination. The Hon. C. Fox and his friend 
James Hare, Esq. then offered themselves on 
that right. The other candidates, on the bur- 
gage interest, were Sir J. Goodricke and C. 
Mellish, Esq. These were of course returned, 
and the other gentlemen, with some of the in- 
habitants, petitioned. Their petitions were refer- 
red to a committee under the Grenville act; 
which met and took the petitions into consider- 
ation, on the 1st of March, 1775. 

The two petitions being read, it appeared, 
that the only question in the case was the right 
of election in the borough of Pontefract; and 
whether a resolution of 1624, or one of 1770, 
was to be considered as the last determination 
in the Flouse of Commons, within the meaning 
of the statute of George IF 

After some dispute among the counsel whe- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 475 

ther any, or which, of those two resolutions 
should be read, the committee agreed, that both 
should be read; and the counsel of the peti- 
tioners maintained that as the resolution of 1624 
was the last determination of the house in 1729, 
when the statute of George II. passed, no 
subsequent act of the house can annul it: 
for that statute is binding on the House of 
Commons, and every last determination is to 
be considered as incorporated with, and making 
part of, the statute, as much as if it was 
therein recited. 

By giving a history of all the contests, the 
counsel contended that there had been no re- 
solution, no determination of the house on the 
right of election; nothing but the agreement of 
parties; and neither the agreement of parties, 
nor even the resolution of a committee, unless 
ratified by the house, can alter the law of elec- 
tions. 

The counsel for the sitting members contended 
that the resolution in 1770 was the last deter- 
mination of the house; and that the right of 
election was not finally settled till then. They 
endeavoured to invalidate the resolution as sta- 
ted in Gianville's reports; and contended from 
the charters of the Lacies that the burgesses 
had always enjoyed the right. They argued 
from the returns, that the mayor, aldermen aud 
burgesses only had a right to vote; and which 
right they only had exercised. 

In reply the counsel for the petitioners main- 
tained, that the charters of the Lacies do not 
contain any regulation touching the right of 
election; so that though they had been known 

p p p 



474 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

to the committee in 1624, their judgment 
would have been the same; and that their hy* 
pothesis is still true, there was no charter for 
choice. They concluded by observing, " That if 
the committee should decide on the present oc- 
casion as the house did in 1770* the decision will 
not bind any future committee, nor annul the 
rights of the inhabitants; which, as they depend 
on an act of parliament, and are secured by it, 
cannot be taken away by the determination of 
any particular case like this, but will be still 
as valid as ever on a new election." 

On Friday > the 3rd of March^ the committee, 
by their chairman, informed the house, that the 
two sitting members were duly elected. This 
determination, while it seemed to perpetuate 
the burgage interest, dispirited the friends of the 
popular cause, and nearly led them to relinquish 
it as an impracticable attempt* 

At the general election in 1780, though 
urgent application was again made to Sir R. 
Winn, he continued to adhere to the opinion 
he had before formed, and refused to stand. 
Several neighbouring gentlemen were also soli- 
cited, but none could be found who would 
again stand on the right of the inhabitants. At 
this time a deputation of the town proposed 
the business to J. Smyth, Esq. but having no 
knowledge of the nature of their claim, he also 
declined. Lord Gall way and Mr. Needham 
were returned without opposition. 

The application which had been made to J. 
Smyth, Esq. led him to investigate the nature 
and grounds of the claim of the inhabitants of 
this borough. The result of this investigation 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT* 475 

was, that he was fully satisfied, e < That the 
right of election was in the inhabitants, house- 
holders resiant." Lord Gallway accepted the 
envoy ship to Munich, in the year f?83, and in. 
consequence vacated his seat. No oppo ition 
was expected; and it was then supposed that 
the popular cause would he finally abandoned. 
A gentleman or two, who had been hitherto most 
active iri the attempts which had been made to 
obtain the freedom of the borough, consulted what 
was now to be done, but could not determine 
to whom to apply, or in what manner another 
effort should be made. One of these, without 
informing any person of his intention, rode 
over, and again applied to j. Smyth, Esq. The 
answer of this gentleman was favourable; and he 
engaged, that in case his friends in London, to 
whom an express was sent, were of his opinion, 
he would offer himself as a candidate. The ex- 
press returned before the day of election, and 
his friends encouraging the attempt, his steward 
was sent before to announce his approach to 
the town. The bells rung, and the inhabitants 
instantly assembled. Nothing could exceed their 
enthusiasm when they found that this gentleman 
had undertaken the cause of their freedom and 
liberties. 

On the burgage interest J. Smith, an East 
India Director, was proposed, and returned by 
V. Tomlinson, Esq. mayor. J. Smyth, Esq. 
polled a few of the inhabitants, ami petitioned. 
The period when this petition was presented 
was auspicious. Mr. Pitt, by his commanding 
eloquence, had roused the spirit of the nation 
in favour of a parliamentary reform. The con- 



476 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

duct of the house, during the American war, 
furnished unanswerable arguments to prove the 
corrupt influence which prevailed; and numbers 
of liberal and well informed gentlemen met m 
the different counties to consult on the measures 
necessary to be adopted in order to obtain a 
reform *. Many members of the house advocated 
the cause; and it was generally hoped that a 
temporate reform would have been effected. 

Such being the spirit of the country, and of 
numbers in the House of Commons, when the 
petition was heard before a committee, April 
the 8th, the more attention was paid to it; 
and the counsel ably and forcibly supporting it, 
on the 11th the committee decided that J. 
Smyth, Esq. was duly elected, and he took his 
seat accordingly. When the news of this tri- 
umph was received in the town, the people 
were transported with jov; and indulged their 
feelings by public rejoicings of every kind. On 
the return of J. Smyth, Esq. into the country 
in summer, he came to congratulate his consti- 
tuents on their triumph in the establishment of 
their just rights. He was received with every 
possible mark of respect; and scenes of festivity 
and merriment succeeded each other, till the 
ebulition of the popular mind gradually sub- 
sided into the tranquil emotions of gratitude 
and self-satisfaction. 

* It deserves to be recorded to the honour of Lord Gall* 
way, " That in different county-meetings, he declared his rea- 
diness to relinquish his interest in the borough of Pontefract, 
provided other noblemen and gentlemen would relinquish 
theirs His Lon ship's proposal met with the warmest ap- 
probation among the friends of reform ; but not one borough 
proprietor followed his noble and patriotic example." See 
Wyville's Tracts, &c. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 477 

At the dissolution of Parliament in 1784, 
J. Smyth, Esq Col. Sotheron and Sir R. "Winn, 
offered themselves on the right of the inhabi- 
tants. The two former gentlemen had canvassed 
th^ town before the worthy baronet made his 
appearance. He had not even given the least 
hint, that, he intended to offer himself; nor had 
he engaged any law-agent. He met with such 
support, as to leave no doubt what would have 
been the event, had he commenced his canvas 
as earlv as the other gentlemen. The two for- 
mer were returned by J. Seaton, Esq. mayor, on 
the right of the inhabitants; and the Honourable 
W. Cockayne and J. Walsh, Esq. stood on the 
burgage interest, and petitioned against the le- 
gality of the rerurn. In June the petitions 
came before a committee, which after hearing 
counsel, who entered into the same arguments 
as before, decided that the return was legal, 
and the members enjoyed the possession of their 
seats in peace. 

In the year 1788, an act passed to amend 
the GrenviJIe act, respecting the trial of con- 
troverted elections. By this act, where the 
right of election is in dispute, the parties are al- 
lowed to petition; and if the committee decide 
against the petitioners, an appeal is to be made 
"within twelve months; a committee is again to 
be formed, and its decision is to be conclusive, 
binding and final. Previous to this act there 
was no law to put an end to petitions and 
contests, and though a committee had decided 
a case against the petitioners repeatedly, still 
the house might be pestered with fresh peti- 
tions on every new election. Finally to settle 



47 S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

disputes of this kind, and with a particular re- 
ference to the case of Pontefract, was this act 
brought in and passed. 

The general election in 1790 brought for- 
ward the old members again on the same right; 
and Lord Gallway, to the surprise of all his 
friends, also offered himself on the same right. 
J. Anstruther, Esq, and C. Mellish, Esq. stood on 
the burgage interest. The late members were 
returned; and the two last gentlemen, as usual, 
petitioned. On the first of March, 179', a 
committee was appointed, and the petitions ta- 
ken into consideration. Counsel for the peti^ 
tioners defended the burgage right by the same 
arguments which had been on a former occasion 
produced ; and the counsel for the sitting mem- 
bers in like manner answered them. On the 
8th of March the committee decided in favour 
of the inhabitants. 

In June 1791, J. Smyth, Esq. vacated his 
seat, by accepting the office of one of the lords 
of the Admiralty, and was returned without op- 
position, except from the burgage interest. J. 
Walsh, Esq. in right of his burgage freehold, 
petitioned; and as this was the last time the 
subject could come before the house according 
to the provisions of the above-mentioned act, 
every possible effort was made to establish the 
burgage right. Owing to a pressure of public 
business, the hearing of the petition was put 
off till February 1793. On the 1 9th of that 
month the committee sat, and coutinued till 
the 27 ? when after the fullest investigation, it 
was again decided in favour of the inhabitants. 

The counsel for the petitioners established 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 479 

by the clearest evidence, that from the year 1624, 
till the late decision, persons possessing a bur- 
gage freehold had claimed and exercised the 
right of voting, and that the inhabitants, house- 
holders resiant, had not in one instance exer- 
cised that right, nor had they claimed it prior 
to the year 1770. They could however produce 
no proof that persons in possession of a bur- 
gage freehold, exclusively enjoyed and exercised 
that right prior to the year 1624, nor could 
they prove that the right of election had been 
litigated after the above period, till the act of 
George 1L which makes the last determination 
of the house of commons finally decisive re- 
specting the right of election. The whole efforts 
of the counsel were directed to invalidate the 
decision of the house in* 1624. The counsel 
for the sitting members replied, and with much 
force and perspicuity stated the circumstances 
respecting the resolution of the house at the 
above period, and clearly demonstrated, that no 
subsequent usage ought to establish a right, 
and according to the constitution of parliament 
could not. They maintained, that the determi- 
nation of the house in 1770, though last in 
point of time, yet, that in 1624 was last when 
the act of George II. passed, and consequently 
that the committee was bound to consider the 
right of the inhabitants as fully and legally esta- 
blished. 

Thus after a ten years contest, a contest 
which cost large sums of money to both par- 
ties, did the inhabitants see their cause finally 
prevail, and their rights and liberties firmly and 
unalterably established. 



430 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

In 1794 J. Smyth, Esq. vacated his seat by 
accepting the office of one of the lords of the 
Treasury, and was reelected without opposition 
from any quarter. 

The general election in 1796 brought forward 
Lord Gall way. The long connection of his 
Lordship's family with the borough, the liber- 
ality of the family to the inhabitants, as well as 
bis Lordship's property, gave him a considerable 
interest, and Col. Sotheron judged it most pru- 
dent to decline offering himself as a candidate. 
In consequence of this his Lordship and the 
Hon. J. Smyth were returned, May 30th, with- 
out opposition. 

At the general election 1802, Lord Gall- 
way declined, and R. Ben yon, Esq. offered on 
his interest. The Hon. J. Smyth stood again. 
After these gentlemen had commenced their 
canvas W. Wrightson, Esq. offered himself as a 
candidate. He was supported by several neigh- 
bouring gentlemen; but finding when he had 
finished his canvas that he should not succeed, 
he declined previous to the poll commencing. 
The two other candidates were of course re- 
turned. 

At the general election in 1806, R> P. 
Milnes, Esq. supported by Lord Gallway's in- 
terest, offered himself, together with the Hon. 
J. Smyth. No opposition was at first expected. 
From a concurrence of circumstances, a third 
candidate at length came forward, the son of 
the ancient and noble family of Saville. His 
Lordship's connection with the volunteer corps 
rendered him a formidable opponent. Although 
he had the disadvantage of commencing his can- 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 481 

vas after the other two gentlemen had nearly 
finished theirs, yet he met with considerable sup- 
port; and the assurance his Lordship received 
from such as had previously promised their votes, 
rendered it certain what would have been the re- 
sult, had he offered himself earlier. The contest 
chiefly lay between his Lordship and the Hon. 
J. Smyth. After a warm and violent contest, 
and carried on till his Lordship had not a man 
to poll, the old member, together with K. P. 
Milnes, Esq. was returned. The number of 
votes stood as follows, Lord Pollington 324, 
R. P. Milnes, Esq. 484, Hon. J. Smyth S?l, 
At the general election in 1807, the same 
candidates again offered for the borough. Flat- 
tered by the reception he had before met with, 
Lord Pollington again came forward; and becom- 
ing the popular candidate, nearly received a vote 
from every one of the electors. The contest be- 
ing between the two late members, as might be 
expected, was arduous and sufficiently violent. 
The two parties w, re nearly equal in strength; 
the one being supported in general by the te- 
nantry of Lord Gall way, and the interest which 
his own respectable family, residing near the 
town, naturally creates; the other by the at- 
tachment of old friends, and the important ser- 
vices he had rendered to the borough. Every 
art, usual on such occasions, was tried by each 
party to turn the popular mind, and bring the 
struggle to a successful conclusion. At last the 
poll commenced, and during the first day the 
two parties kept so near to each other, that 
there was only a difference of one vote at the 
conclusion. The next day the battle was equally 

Q q q 



482 HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. 

well fought; and when the poll closed, R. P. 
Milnes was only nine a head of his opponent. 
He and Viscount Pollington were returned. 

Thus terminated the arduous struggle; and 
the Hon. J. Smyth, who by his persevering ex- 
ertions had secured to the inhabitants their 
rights, after having been in parliament twenty- 
three years as their representative, found him- 
self the unsuccessful candidate. This event did 
not arise from want of attachment in his friends, 
but from circumstances which no prudence could 
avoid, nor any influence counteract. In the 
course of twenty years a new race had sprung 
up; many strangers had come to reside in the 
borough; and it is natural to suppose that these 
would not feel all the respect for the old re- 
representative which his tried friends might wish. 
In short these being wholly indifferent to past 
transactions, were ready to give their votes as 
their connections, prejudices, or expectations 
might influence. 

The friends of this gentleman have testified 
the highest respect for his past services; and 
so long as fair freedom is esteemed the Eng- 
lishman's birth-right, so long as the elective 
franchise, shall be deemed a privilege; so long 
will the name of Smyth be associated witfo free- 
dom in the borough of Pontefract. 

The following is a list of the Members returned 
for Pontefract. 

16th JAMES I. 
1620, George Skillet, — Edmunds Sands, Jun. 

21st JAMES 1. 

1624, Sir Tho. Wentworth, — Sir John* Jackson. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 4$ 5 

1st CHARXES I. 

1625, Sir John Jackson,— Sir Rich. Beaumont, 

1st CHARGES I. 

26, Sir John Jackson, — Francis Foljambe. 

3rd CHARLES I. 

29, Sir John Jackson,— Sir John Ramsden. 

15 th CHARLES I. 

40, Sir John Ramsden, — Sir G. Wentworth, 

I6tll CHARLES I, 

41, Sir George Wemworth, (Woliey) — Sir G. 

Wentworth, (of Wentwonh House,) 
46, Henry Arthington,- — William White. 

I lth CHARLES II. 

58, John Lord Lambert, — John Hewley *, 

60, Sir Geo. Saville, — William Lowther, 

61, Sir John Dawney, — William Lowther, 
78, Sir John Dawney, — Sir Patient ins Ward, 
81, Sir John Dawney, — Sir Patientius Ward, 
85, Lord Dovvne, — Sir Thomas Yar bo rough, 
#8, Lord Downe, — Sir Thomas Yaiborough, 
90, Sir John Bland, — Henrv Dovvne, 

95, Sir William Lowther, — Robert Moncton, 
98, John Bright,— Sir John Bland, 
1701, William Lowther, — Sir John Bland, . 
2, Wlliam Lowther, — Sir John B'and, 
5, William Lowther, — Sir John Bland, 
8, William Lowther, — Sir John Bland, 
10, Robert Frank, — Sir John Bland, 

13, Robert Frank, — John Dawney, 

14, Hugh Bethel,— Sir William Lowther, 
22, John Lowther, — Sir William Lowther, 

27, John Lowther, — Sir William Lowther, 
34, Lord Gallway, — Sir William Lowther, 

* The above list is taken from Willis's Notitia Parliai 
mentaria. 



484 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

1741, Lord Gall way, —George Pitt, 
47, William Moncton, — George Pitt, 
54, Lord Gallway, — Sambroke Trueman, 
61, Lord Gallway, — Wm. Gerard Hamilton*, 
68, Lord Gallway, — Henry Strachey, 
74, Sir John Goodrick,— C. Mellish, 
80, Lord Gallway,— William Needham, 

S3, J. Smyth, 

84, J. Smyth, — Colonel Sotheron, 
90, J. Smyth, — Colonel Sotheron, 
96, J. Smyrh, — Lord Gallway, 

1802, J. Smyth,— R. Ben yon, 

6, J. Smyth,— R. P. Milnes, 

7, R. P. Milnes,— Lord Pollington. 

RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

Within this town there are the ususal and 
prevailing denominations of professing christians, 
— Catholics, Dissenters, Wesleyan Methodists, and 
a society of friends, commonly called Quakers. 

Catholics 

Several ancient famlies, respectable for their 
property in this neighbourhood, maintained an 
unshaken attachment to the catholic cause, tho* 
exposed to all the rigour of the penal statutes; 
and when the lenient and tolerent spirit of the 
age, outrun that of the law, the Catholics emer- 
ged from their obscurity, and assembled to wor- 
ship according to their own modes and opinions. 
They ventured publicly to. address the Virgin- 

* From the restoration the list is taken from Wentworthj 
and the remainder from the journals. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 485 

Mother, and to revere the hallowed relics of 
past ages ; to offer the sacrifice of the mass, 
and again to celebrate their holy mysteries *. 

Their number in this place has never ex- 
ceeded thirty or forty persons. Their place of 
worship, till lately, was a room in the house 
occupied by their teacher. They have now 
erected a place of worship on a more enlarged 
scale; and adapted to all the peculiar ceremo- 
nies of their worship f. The building is a neat 
structure, and its interior well finished. 

Protestant Nonconformist Dissenters. 

The rise of the Dissenters, as a distinct 
body, dates from the time when the Act of 
Uniformity was passed. A considerable num- 
ber of the clergy, who then filled the churches, 
were either Presbyterians or Independents; and 
were thus denominated from their opinions re- 
specting the nature of a christian church, and 
the mode of its government. The former of 
these maintained, that in the New Testament 
the terms hi hop, elder, or presbyter are applied 
to the same person, and that there is no proof 
of a bishop enjoying any superior sanctity or 

* In the year !791, an act was passed to repeal the 
penal laws against this body, and to allow the general privi- 
leges or* Oihor sect% on taking certain prescibed oaths. 

f The ground on which this building has been erected 
is in old deeds, called Halywalls. As in the times of the 
Saxons, lands were often held of the church, on the condition 
of the tenant keeping the church in repair &c. is it not pro- 
bable, that this land was held by such a tenure? That the 
proprietor was bound to keep in repair the holy walls, i. e. 
the church ? It was either held by such tenure, or otherwise 
it has been the site of some religious house. 



486 HISTORY OT PONTEFRACT. 

authority over the presbyter, while the church 
continued separate from the state. They con- 
tended, that there ought to be no difference 
of rank among the clergy ; and that the church 
ought, according to scripture and the purest 
ages, to be governed by provincial synods and 
a general assembly. The Independents agreed 
with the Presbyterians on all subjects, except 
the last. They maintained that each christian 
society had a right to choose its own minister, 
and to regulate its interior affairs, una wed by 
any superior influence, and without being amen- 
able to any earthly tribunal. 

On passing the Act of Uniformity, * those 
who held these opinions could not in consci- 
ence comply with the provisions of the act; and 
were therefore compelled either to make a false 
declaration, or finally to leave the establishment. 
They chose the latter, and on the 24th of Au- 
gust, 1662. two thousand clergymen quitted 
their livings, and voluntarily submitted to po- 
verty, disgrace and persecution, rather than sub- 
scribe to declarations they did not believe. No 
other age, no other country, ever witnessed 

* This bill was hastely brought into the house, and ob- 
sequious a> the parliaments of Charles were, it met with such 
violent opposition, that every exertion of the crown, and all 
the direct and indirect influence which could be used, was found 
necessary in order to get it through the House of Commons. 
At last this act passed in the House of Commons, by a majo- 
rity of only six, the yeas being 186, and the noes 180. 

The reader who wishes to know how tar the object of 
this act has been attained, may consult Archdeacon Black- 
burne's Confessional ; Overton's " True Churchman ascertained," 
and the publications to which this work has given rise within 
these few years past. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 437 

such a sacrifice of interest to principle; and 
while the love of truth, honour, integrity and 
liberality is cherished, these men cannot fail to 
receive their due measure of praise. 

The Rev. Joseph Farret, who had laboured 
for some years, in the church of St. Giles' 
here, was one of the respectable number of sece- 
ders from the establishment. Though far advan- 
ced in years, Calamy says, " He was a constant, 
laborious preacher, of competent gifts and learn- 
ing." He had an excellent library, and though 
on quitting the church he was reduced to great 
straits, like most men of letters, he chose to 
part with any thing rather than his books. He 
met with a kind friend in a Mr. Ward, who 
resided in the old mansion, called the court, in 
Tanshelf, in which township he also enjoyed a 
considerable estate. Under his hospitable roof 
Mr. Farret, and those Christians who adhered 
to him, met to worship God according to the 
oppinions they held respecting the nature of a 
christian church. 

This respectable scholar and divine, worn out 
with labour, was the year following removed 
out of a tempestuous world to a state of rest. 
He died in the sixty-fourth year of his age. 

The little society he had formed, and to 
which he had preached during the last year of 
his life, still subsisted and remained firm to its 
principles after his demise. The Rev. J. Noble 
succeeded him as minister ; and continued to la- 
bour among them as much as the persecuting 
spirit of the times would permit *, for the space 

* From the restoration of Charles II. to the revolution, 
the Dissenters were persecuted with a severity which will re* 



488 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

of sixteen years. He died Feb. 11, 1679, aged 
sixty-eight years. Calamy gives the following ac- 
count of him. " He was bo<n at Asleby, in the 
parish of Holden, 1611. He was admitted at 
Christ Col. Camb. in 1630. In 1637 he was 
minister at Whitgift. In 1646 he removed to 
Smeaton, where he continued till the Act of 
Uniformity. He was an excellent, useful, and a 
solid divine; a man of a happy memory, great 
presence of mind, and ready wit ; a mighty op- 
poser of the factions and tumults of the times. 
He was an excellent disputant, and never lost 
or disparaged his cause or reputation by igno- 
rance or passion. 

He was succeeded by the Rev. J. Hey wood, 
the younger son of the great and good Oliver 

fleet disgrace on the intolerant spirit of the age. Some 
thousands lost their lives in prison; and the loss of property 
which they sustained by legal processes and fines, amounted to 
the sum of two millions. 

The Dissenters here had their share in the common cala- 
mity. The Castle Chain House was then used as a prison, 
and several were confined there tor daring to claim and ex- 
ercise, what every liberal man, whether in or out of the esta- 
blishment, now admits, the right of private judgment. Tradi- 
tion has handed down, that one of the Medleys, who had a 
large familv, was confined there at the time William and Mary 
landed. The news of this event rapidly spread through the 
country, and a brother of the above-mentioned gentleman, 
went down to Ferrybridge to obtain furiher intelligence. 
While he remained there an express arrived, ordering the pri- 
sons to be opened, and all persons confined on account of re- 
ligion, immediately to be set at liberty. The good man in- 
stantly kneeled down on the bridge to return thanks to heaven, 
for a favour so interesting to himself, his friends and his 
country. 

This family, which has nearly become extinct here, will pro- 
bably be perpetuated in the descendents of the late Rev. S. 
Medley, of Liverpool. 



_ 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 489 

Hey wood; whose persecutions were severe, whose 
piety and worth are not often equalled; who was 
generally and justly beloved, and for whom pro- 
vidence almost miraculously provided** During 
the time of his son's ministry he occasionally 
preached for him, as appears from his own diary. 
His son John came here from Rotherham, but how 
Ions: he continued his ministerial labours is not 
known. Tradition has handed down the fact, 
that he died here; and was buried in the old 
Dissenting Meeting-house. It is probable, from 
the period his successor laboured in the ministry, 
that his death may be referred to the year 1720. 

The Rev. Stamford followed him; a 

gentleman whose knowledge rendered him dear 
to his own hearers, and justly respected by all 
who knew him. In his time the Dissenters 
were considerable in their numbers, and respect- 
able in point of property. The families of La- 
pidgef, Waterhouse, Kiplin, and others belonged 
to this body. This respectable divine died in 
the year 1746. 

For some time the congregation was des- 
titute of a pastor. At length the Rev. 

Coppock came, and was chosen to be their 
teacher. This gentleman had received a liberal 

* The lineal descendant of this great man, is Sergeant 
HeyA r ood, of Nottingham; and the respectable family of Hey- 
woods, at Wakefield, spring from his brother Nathaniel. See 
his life by Fawcit. 

f John Milnes, of Wakefield, merchant, married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Richard Lapidge. — Ester Lapidge, the second 
daughter, married the Rev. Isaac Wilkinson, Dissenting minis- 
ter, at Warley, near Halifax, and ancestor to the present 
Isaac Wilkinson, of Tapton-House, near Chesterfield, banker. 
Ann, the third daughter, married to John Kiplin, of Ack- 
worth, gentleman, 

r r r * 



490 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

education; and as a scholar had the esteem of 
those who knew him. He embraced the theo- 
logical sentiments of Socinus; and for a period 
of thirty-six years he preached and defended 
them. He lived to see, that these sentiments, 
though considered as most consonant to reason, 
are not the best calculated to reform the profli- 
gate, to promote a spirit of warm and lively devo- 
tion, or to increase a congregation. This gentle- 
man found a respectable congregation, and he 
preached it away. He died in 1782, and had on- 
ly two or three families who attended his ministry. 

On his demise, some persons who had em- 
braced those sentiments generally called evan- 
gelical, united together in order to obtain a 
Dissenting teacher of similar sentiments with 
their own. They repaired the old meeting-house, 
which had fallen into decay; and they invited 
the Rev. W. Tap, to take the pastoral charge 
over them. Accordingly he came, and continued 
to discharge the duties of his office till 1791, 
when he removed, and was succeeded by the 
author. 

The late Hans Busk, Esq. who during the 
latter years of his life, usually spent the winter 
in this place, gave himself, and collected among 
his friends, a sum of money to purchase, or 
erect, a house for the Dissenting minister. On 
his demise, this money was paid in by his ex- 
ecutor, R. S. Milnes, M. P. with which an 
house was purchased, and ground for the erec- 
tion of a new meeting-house. In the year 1795 
this structure was begun, and completed in 1796. 
The building is neat and well finished. 

Mary Reynolds, cousin to Patience Ward, 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 491 

Esq. by her will, dated the 17th of Apr. 1721, 
gave to him the sum of twenty pounds, to be laid 
out in land, the rents and profits of which 
were for ever to go to the minister of the Dis- 
senting chapel in Tanshelf; and if it should 
happen, that there should be no Dissenting 
minister to preach in the said chapel, or else- 
where in Tanshelf or Pontefract, the said rents 
should go to the use of the poor of Pontefract 
and Tanshelf, and be distributed amongst them 
at the discretion of the said Patience Ward, 
Esq. the executor of the said will, and his 
heirs for ever. 

In compliance with the above will Patience 
Ward, Esq. purchased a small close, called 
Carleton-Gate Close, which was surrendered to 
him in Tanshelf court, for the uses specified. On 
the back of the surrender it is observed, that 
the society of Dissenters, by a collection among 
themselves, raised above ten pounds more in or- 
der to complete the purchase, the sum be- 
queathed by Mrs. Keynolds not being sufficient 
for that purpose. 

Quaker's Meeting-house. 

Although the tenets of the people called 
Quakers began to spread abroad as early as 
the year 1655, through the searching and pow- 
erful ministry of Fox, Penn, Barclay and many 
others, yet we do not find that any building 
was erected in this town for the purpose of 
meeting, and performing public worship in, un- 
til the year 1685, when the plot of ground in 
Southgate, on which the present building stands, 



492 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

was given by Thomas English, of this place, 
grocer, to John Seaton, of Blythe, Nottingham- 
shire, yeoman, Henry Jackson, of Tottess, in 
Wooldale, Richard Morton, of Woodand Hill, 
yeoman, Robert Clark^on, of Pontefract, grocer, 
Henry Calf, of Pontefract, Malster, and their 
heirs and assigns for ever, in trust to erect a 
meeting-house on, and for a burial place for the 
use of the members of this society. 

The present remaining trustees are John 
Leatham, John Thistlethwaite and Joseph John- 
son. 

This society has been more numerous than 
it is at present. Several of the members have, 
by honest and persevering industry, raised them- 
selves to opulence; and their general conduct, 
in many respects, reflects honour on their prin* 
cipleso 

Wesleyan Methodist's Chapel 

Itinerants belonging to this body, sometime 
after its rise, obtained admission into the town, 
and soon formed a small society. They increased 
by degrees, and in the year 1789 laid the 
foundation stone of their meeting-house. This 
building was completed and opened April 4. 
1790, by an appropriate discourse, deliverd by 
Mr. Mather. Soon after the head of this society, 
the Rev. J. Wesley, visited the town, and 
preached in the meeting-house to a large and 
crowded audience. 

From Pontefract the itenerants have diverged 
in all directions, and formed small societies in 
the surrounding villages. Two of the regular 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 493 

preachers reside here during the period granted 
by the Conference, the supreme legislative body 
of this society. The number of the people who 
attend varies according to the talents of the preach- 
ers. Among the lower classes their labours 
have been useful he^e, as in most other places. 

Modern state of the Town. 

The town of Pontefract yields to few in 
the neatness of its buildings. Its streets are 
open and spacious; kept clean and in good re- 
pair. There being no manufactories carried on, 
the atmosphere is never loaded with the smoke 
of steam engines, and the air is uncommonly 
pure and salubrious. 

Market. — The market is held on Saturday; 
and is well supplied with the best butcher's 
meat, poultry and fish. Large quantities of 
grain of every discription are brought and sold 
here. 

Fairs. — The principal fairs are St. Andrew's 
fair, on the first Saturday in December • Can- 
dlemas fair, the first Saturday after February 
13 ; St. Giles' fair, the first Saturday after Sep. 
12; and all the moveable fairs, Palm-Sunday 
and Trinity Sunday to be held on the Saturday 
before each of these days respectively. 

Land. — The soil is in general excellent; and 
in the highest state of cultivation. The gardens 
and nursery- grounds about the town are exten- 
sive. The superfluous produce of the one is 
regularly carried to the populous towns of 
Leeds and Wakefield; and seedlings from the 
other are conveyed to the most distant parts of 



494 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

the land. Licorice has been long cultivated 
with success; and Pontefract licorice cakes are 
well known throughout the British empire. 

The population of the town, as taken in 
1801, is as follows; houses inhabited 693, 
houses not inhabited 48, families 702, males 
1394, females 1703. Total 3097. The popula- 
tion has increased near six hundred since the 
year 1764. The number of families then was 
538, and of persons 2515. 

Few men who have ranked high in church 
or state, or who have been distinguished in the 
annals of literature, have either been born or re- 
sided in the town of Pontefract. It is probable 
that no further information can be obtained than 
what has already been given, from Leland, respect- 
ing the monkish historian, Thomas de Castleford. 
Gough has noticed several particulars respecting 
the indefatigable antiquary Dr. Johnson, who 
spent the greatest part of his life here. He is 
said to have made large collections for the 
history of Yorkshire*. Where he was born, or 
where he ended his days, is uncertain. 

Bishop Bramhall, who was Primate of Ireland, 
after the restoration, was born here. He rose by 
his learning and talents to this distinguished ho- 
nour, and high station in the church. He took 
an active part in the contentions of Charles I. 
reign; and after the fatal battle of Marston 

* Dr. Burton says, " that he had the use of above one 
hundred folio volumes relating to this county, collected by 
this indefatigable physician, then in the hands of R. Frank, 
Esq. of Campsall. Part of this collection was sent to Lon- 
don and sold, and the remainder are in the possession of B. 
Frank, Esq. 



HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 495 

Moor, with many others, fled to the Continent, 
There he chiefly remained till the restoration, 
when he received the bishoprick of Armagh, as 
a reward for his fidelity and services. He died 
in June 1663. 

The author of the Newcastle Rider, and 
other poems, merits notice, as an instance of 
native genius, without the advantage of a lite- 
rary education. His name was Lun, and his 
occupation that of a barber. The first attempt 
to obtain the freedom of the borough brought 
his poetical talents into exercise; and his various 
squibs and effusions obtained considerable ap- 
plause. These productions were collected to- 
gether and published under the title of Duniad. 
Some of the pieces in the collection, for keen- 
ness of satire and justness of sentiment, would 
not disgrace the pen of a Churchill. 

For persons unconnected with trade, Ponte- 
fract is a most pleasant and agreeable situation. 
It is surrounded by the seats of nobles and opu- 
lent commoners; and persons of small or 
large fortunes, may find agreeable society either 
in the town or neighbourhood, according to 
their own wishes and rank. 

The state of morals, if not such as the man 
of piety could wish, is at least not worse than 
what generally obtains. The lower orders are 
more refined and polished than in some larger 
commercial towns; and are even more sober 
and temporate; not that they are less inclined 
to the usual vices of the age, but their resources 
are more limited and confined. The rich and 
the opulent invariably display the virtues of 
humanity, compassion and benevolence. To the 



496 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 

cries of the wretched they are not insensible, 
but objects of real distress ever meet with the 
most speedy and generous relief. 

Improvements in morals, in internal order 
and government, are still wanting; and a re- 
spect for the prosperity of the place, not only 
prompts, but compels the acknowledgement. 
The decorum due to the christian Sabbath is 
commonly and grossly violated; and as a pro- 
per attention to the duties of this day will be 
found to be the best guardian of private and 
public virtue, it is to be wished that the re- 
spectable part of the inhabitants would sanction 
by their own example, and exert their influence 
to promote the general observance of it. 



APPENDIX. 

CHARTERS 

BELONGING TO THE CORPORATION. 

— -=s<39QQS)00<=— 

CHARTER OF ROGER PE LACY. 

-PERSONS present and to come, know that I Roger de Lacy, Constable of Chester, 
have given and granted, and by this my present charter have confirmed to my bur- 
gesses of Pontefract and their heirs and successors, their liberty, and free burgh, and 
their tofts to be held of me and my heirs, in fee and by descent freely and quietly, 
honourably and entirely, 

Yielding yearly to me and my heirs for all services twelvepence for every whole 
toft, as they did in the time of Henry de Lacy, paying a moiety of the rent at mid- 
lent, and a moiety at the feast of saint Michael. Moreover I have granted, and con- 
firmed to my aforesaid buigesses, and their successors the liberties, and free-laws, 
which the burgesses of the Lord the king of Grimsby use, which are these, 
Every burgess may give or sell his land to whoever he shall please, unless to the 
religious (or in mortmain) the rent of the lord being reserved, and he shall enter a 
plea, and render the land into the hand of the headborough (or praetor) for the use 
of the lord, and he shall give a penny of tribute, and the headborough shall give 
the land to the buyer, of the gift of the lord, clear from all things, and the pur- 
chaser shall likewise give a penny. Whoever shall purchase any part of any toft, 
and shall have been seized theteoi as above prescribed is as free as if he had bought 
a whole toft. If any person shall have many houses in his toft, and shall let them 
to any persons, they shall be free to sell and buy all merchandizes, but he shall 
give fourpence a year to the headborough. He who shall dwell in a mansion 
house shall be unmolested and free as if he was a burgess. Whoever shall commit 
a forfeiture in the borough aforesaid, there he shall be attached ; he shall stand to 
the law according to the sentence (or judgment) in the borough court. But the 
aforesaid burgesses shall not go out of their borough for any plea or any plaint save 
only for pleas of the crown. When the headborough (or praetor) shall have paid 
the borough rent to the lord, at the feast of saint Michael, the lord shall remove 
him, and sSall substitute whomsoever he shall please, but the burgesses will be the 
proper persons if only they will be agreeable to give as much as other j. 

He who hath accused another person of any Offence in a plea before the praetoi, 
that unjustly and without reason and in peace and he shall forfeit to him, and that 
person shall deny the injury and not the reason and peace and whatsoever he sayed 
against him, that person hath given a good answer or reply. He who hath denied 

S S S * 



11 APPENDIX. 

the injury, or the unreasonableness or the peace, and hath not been blame worthy 
of any of them, he shall be tryed according to the laws of the pisetor, and by hi3 
forfeiture (or fine) he shall recover his answer (or reply.) He who shall begin to 
deny his words exactly for anegat've, and shall not exactly deny all, he fails, and 
by his forfeiture he shall recover his answer (or reply.) The forfeiture of the bur- 
gesses if the praetor shall please to aggrieve any one shall be ascertained by twelve 
lawful men elected for this purpose. None of the burgesses shall give his forfei- 
ture for his first default but for the second, unless he shall be able to save his day. 
Every burgess shall find pledges for his own proper naam (ordistiess) unless he 
shall have been accused of the crown of the lo'd the king or shall fail to make 
liable his proper pledge. If a servant of the praetor shall have spoken against a 
burgess he shall not answer without a witness. If a burgess shall have been accu- 
sed by his equal of bloodshed or of battery and he shall deny it, he shall swear (or 
purge) himseli on the sixth day ; it not of bloodshed he shall purge himself on ihe 
third day. If any other than a burgess shall have been accused by a burgess of the 
same thing, he shall purge himself on the twelfth day. Every of the burgesses 
whatsoever, is bound to answer another burgess without a witness and not a foreign- 
er unless concerning an apparent fact or a debt. If a burgess shall take an oath of 
his equal unless it shall be relating a debt, he shall forfeit, if of another than his 
equal he shall from forfeiture be free. If a foreigner shall take an oath from a 
burgess, he shall be subject to the greatest forfeiture. If a foreigner shall owe a 
debt to any burgess, it is lawful for him on every day of the week, to take a 
naam (or distress) of him without the licence of the praetor, unless in the fairs on 
saint Egidius. If the naam of any burgess shall be taken upon another he shall be 
adjudged on the first day of the contentien (or wrath) to dischaige it at his own 
expences : but if he shall be unwilling to do it, he shall be compelled by a proper 
naam of wrath. He who shall carry away the lord's tribute shall be liable to for- 
feit in this manner; to wit, for a farthing, five shillings and a farthing; for a half, 
penny, ten shillings and a halfpenny ; for three farthings, fifteen shillings and 
three farthings ; for a penny, twenty shillings and a penny, It is lawful for. every 
one in his ground to make shops (or warehouses) whatsoever in order to acquire 
Uie ferm (or rent) of the lord. Whosoever shall deny (or accede) to any thing 
other than of which he shall have been arcused, he shall continue in forfeiture. 
Every burgess may bring provision and all other merchandizes by water and by 
land, whenever he shall please, without toll and tribute, unless he shall be pro- 
hibited by the lord or his bailiffs. We are not obliged to answer any one concern- 
ing any our tenement in which we have been seized by the hand of the praeior, 
and we have held for one whole year and a day without disturbance. If any per- 
son shall have been summoned in a plea of us whilst he shall have been elsewhere 
about his business, he shall be free when he returns for the days of indulgence. If 
any burgess shall have been accused of larceny or felony, by any person ;* we 
will try him in our borough, the lord's sergeant assisting us, executing the law 
together at one time, with thirty six compurgators, if at another time he shall be 
accused either by battle or by water he shall purge (or clear) himself. No woman 
pays tribute in our borough for selling ale or beer. Moreover I have given and 
granted and by my present charter I have confirmed to my said burgesses of Pon- 
tefract and their heirs and successors, exemption from ?}\ toll and tribute through 
my whole territory belonging to the castle of Pontefract, and to the castle of Cli- 
therow. And my aforesaid burgesses of Pontefract for this gift and grant of having 
and firmly enjoying their liberty have given me three hundred marks of silver. Wit- 
nesses Hubert, by the grace of our Lord, Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl 



APPENDIX. Ill 

Roger Pigot, William of the chuich of Saint Mary, William de Warren, Ralph 
archdeacon of Hereford, Richard de Harnett, Simon de Pateshill, Hugh Peverell, 
Osbert his son, Richard of Chester, Hugh de Bohy, Roger de avent, 

Ralph the son of Ralph, Walter de Rovirit, Allen de Sinderby, Thomas the son 
©f Thomas, Robert le Vavaser, A I died de Dution, Robett Walensis, Aldred de 
Reineville, John de Birkin. Junnius of Luvenirs, Thomas of Reineville. Dated 
Hie sixth of the ides of June, at Westminster betore the justices of Richard the 
lord the king in the fifth year of his coronation. 

CHARTER OF ROGER DE LACY. 

ALL persons present and to come, Know that I Roger de Lacy, Constable of 
Chester, have given and granted, and by this my present charier have confirmed 
to mv burgesses of Pontefract, who have land in the moor. Nine score acres of 
arable land, and fourteen acres and an half in the moor, to hold 10 them and 
their heirs of me and my heirs, free'y, quietly, peaceably, yielding therefore year- 
ly to me and my heirs for all service, for every acre, four pence of term or rent 
at the feast of Saint Michael, that is to say, to Spracligenus thirty two acies; to 
Henericus, his s.m in law, four; to Ernisius, nineteen; to Helias his son, eleven : to 
Edwinus, the son of Waldanus, eleven and a haif ; to Alexander, the son of Here- 
ward, ten ; to Matildus Ruffe, nine, to Simon, his son in law, two ; to Thomas, the 
son of Winiarias, two ; to Gilbert, the son of Miruldus, thiiteen ; to Benedutine, the 
son of Ranulfus, three; to the heir of John Nobilis three; to William, the son of 
Aldred, and to William his son, three; to the heirs ot Richard, the son of Harald, 
three and a half ; to Aidred, the son of Aldred, six; to Semanus six ; to Astinus, 
the son of Stephen, three ; to Simon, the son ot Benedictine, eight ; to Robert, the 
son of Sunipe, two and a half; to William, the son of Benedictine, three ; to Ro- 
bert, the son of John, nine ; to William, the Brother of Benedictine and Robert, the 
son of Hadulphus, three; to Rami, the son of Walter, three ; to the heirs of Heneri- 
cus, the clerk, six; to Henericus, the son of Haschinus, seven ; to Alexander, the 
Headborough, one; to William, the son ofLewinus, eleven acres. These witnesses, 
Eustachius, the brother of the lord, (the donor) Robert Walensis, William de Lun- 
gerwlle, Jordauus Foliott, Gilbert de Lacy, William de Bello- Mount, Richard 
de Stapleton, Magnnus Reimudus, Richard, the clerk, William the son of Geron» 
das and others. 

Henry de Lacy confirmed the above charters of Roger de Lacy. 

CHARTER OF HENRY DE LACY, 

HENRY DE LACY, Earl of Lincoln and Constable of Chester, to all persons 
to whom this present writing shall come greeting in the Lord, 

Know ye that We, even at the feast of the apostle Philip and James in the 
sixth year of the reign of King Edward have granted and by this present writing, 
for us and our heirs have confimed to our beloved hurgesses, and men of Ponte- 
fract, all the sheds (or stalls) which thev shall be, or their ancestor have been 
able to erect in the market or our waste ground of the said village, to have and to 
hold to our said burgesses and men and their heir* and successors of us and our 
he;rs freeiy, quietly and fairly and peaceably by hereditary right forever, yielding 
therefore annually to us and our heirs the just and accustomed term (or icnt) at the 
usual and accustomed times. And that we will and grant that neither we nor our 



IV APPENDIX. 

heirs nor any other in bur name, any right or claim in the said sheds (or stalls) un- 
less unto the just and accustomed term or rent for the time to come may exact or 
have, to this present charter we have caused our seal to be affixed. For this our 
grant <md quit claim our aforesaid burgesses and men have given to us forty 
pounds sterling These Witnesses the Lord Peter of Chester, Governor of Bever- 
ley, the Lord John of Bely, John le Vavesur, Alexander of Holy-Mount, Wil- 
liam de Vavasur, William the S#n of Thomas, Stephen le Walensis Knights, Simon 
of Ponte ~raet, Thomas Bely the then constable of the same place, Peter of Kirketon, 
William of Malton, Henry of Kirkeby, Nicholas of Burton and others. Dated 
at Pontefract the day and year above said. 

RICHARD THE THIRD'S CHARTER OF INCORPORATION. 

RICHARD, by the grace of God King of England and France, Lord of Ire- 
land and Duke of Lancaster, To the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, 
Dukes, Earls, Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Eschaetors, Officers, Ministers, and to 
all his bailiffs and faithful subjects greeting, 

Appointment of mayor, free borough and same liberties as Stamford. — Know 
ye that We, not only for the love and affection which we have and bear for our vil- 
lage and borough of Pontefract, and for our beloved and faithful bailiffs and bur- 
gesses ot the same, but also recollecting the many free and acceptable services 
heretofore done us at considerable cost and charge, and being desirous to reward 
them in a proper manner, out of our certain knowledge and mere motion have or- 
dained, constituted, appointed and made our beloved subject John Hill, one of the 
burgesses of the said village or borough, the mayor of the said village or borough, 
and of our special grace we have granted and by this our present writing have confirmed 
for us and our heirs to them the mayor and burgesses of the said village or borough 
for ever, these liberties, franchises, remunerations and immunities hereunto writ- 
ten; that is to say, that the borough be from henceforth a free borough in reality and 
name to consist of a mayor and burgesses, and that the said mayor and burgesses 
and their heiis and successors be free burgesses, and may have a merchant's guild, 
and use and enjoy the same liberties and freedoms in the said borough, which the 
burgesses and inhabitants of the village or borough of Stamford have heretofore 
used and enjoyed and use and enjoy. 

Mayor and burgesses a body corporate, may purchase, plead and be impleaded. 
—Moreover we will and grant by these presents for us and our heirs, that the said 
present mayor and burgesses,and their successors aforesaid being mayor and burgesses 
of the village or borough of Pontefract, thus incorporated, be a body corporate 
for ever, in reality and name, by the name of the mayor and burgesses of the vil- 
lage or borough of Pontefract : and that they may have perpetual succession, and 
that the said ptesent mayor and burgesses and their successors aforesaid by the said 
name, may be persons fit and capable in law to purchase lands, tenements, rents, 
services and possessions whatsoever ; and to prosecute and defend all and singular 
pleas, suits, plaints, demands, actions real, personal and mixed, now depending 
or to be depending in any of our courts whatsoever, or of our heirs or of any other 
persons whatsoever, as well before us and our heirs as before any justices and 
judges whatsoever spiritual and temporal, and that in the same they may plead and 
be impleaded, may answer and be answered. 

Common seal, and thirteen comburgesses to be chosen on Michaemas day, one of 



APPENDIX. V 

^hkh to be mayor, fiC<v — And that they may have a common seal for the business 
ot the village or borough sfjres.iid, to be made use of for ever; and also we have 
granted, and bv these presents do grant, for us and our he;rs, to the said present 
mayor and burgesses and their heirs and successors lor evei, that the said present 
mayor am 1 burges-e-, and their heirs and successors bei g mayors and burgesses, 
Upon the feast of St. Michael the archangel, next ensuing the date of these pre- 
sents, and afterwards from year to year, upon the said feastday, may amongst 
the said burgesses, in a certain hall, called the Moot-Hail, chuse out of themselves 
thirteen comlnugesses of the more creditable sort of men, being burgesses of the 
village or borough a bresaid, one of wiiich burgesses aiways is to be chosen for the 
mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, and to remain mayor of that village or 
borough for one whole year after his election. 

Combur^esst's may remain, resign, 8fc. — Which comburgesses indeed thusbein* 
elected in the office of com burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, during their 
natural lire mav remain and continue, and each of them may remain and con- 
tinue, unless they or any of them at their own special request to be made to the 
mayor and the rest of the comburgesses of that mayor of the village or borough 
aforesaid for the time being, or for any substantial reason, have or hath from those 
comburge=ses by the mayor of the villlage or borough aforesaid, and the rest of the 
comburgesses of that village 01 borough for the time being, been removed. 

To chusi' a burgess, andtzvo s*r?cants at mace. — And that upon the death of suck 
comburgesses or otherwise upon his resigns tieta or .emoval from ti.e office ot a com- 
burges-, the ma\orfor the 'ime \ eing, and the comburgesses of the village or 
borough a:oresai , and their heirs and successors fo ever, may have full power 
andaut riotrty by virtue of these presents to chu^e one other burgess out of themselves 
for a comb.itgess of the village or borough aforesaid, in the plac* j of thai combur~ 
gess so dying, 'esigniiig, or being removed, and so from time to time for ever. 
And further we have granted, and by these presents do grant, for us and our heirs, 
to the aforesaid pie-ent mayor and burgess, and their heirs and successors, that 
the said present mayor and comburgesses of the village or bo'ough aforesaid, 
and their heirs and successors for the time being, from year to year at their plea, 
sure, may chuse out of the burgesses ot the village or borough aforesaid, two 
Serjeants daily to bring or cairy he mace, with the arms 01 us ar.d our heirs en- 
graved thereupon, before the afoiesaid mayor and other mayors of the said village 
or borough aforesaid, tor the time being, and to do and execute all and singular 
precepts and mandates which by the afoiesaid nay or, lor the time being, shall from 
time to time be commanded them, or either ot them. 

Poivr to arrest — And moreover, we grant to the said mavor aid burgesses and 
their successors, that they by their serjeant at mace, may have power and authority' 
to attac •: and am st whatsoever men and women less sufficient (or that are proper 
obje ts) by theii bodies in whatsoe-.er pleas, plaints, co tracts and demands, or 
in other actions personal, real, or mixt whatsoe> er within the village or borough 
aforesaid, and tne precinct thereo in any manner whatsoever acciuing or arising, 
and which in any manner have been or shall happen to be depending lor the time 
to come. 

Mayor, coroner, frr. and mayor's oath. — Moreover, we have granted to them, 
the said mayor and burgesses, that they and their successors may have in the said 



VI APPENDIX. 

village or borough power aud authority, jurisdiction and liberty, to perform and ex- 
ecute all and singular things which to the office of a coroner there appertain, 
to be performed and executed as the rest of the coroners of us and our heirs in other 
places have had, and shall hapaen to have for the time to come, so that at no fu- 
ture time, any coroner of our said kingdom of England (^ave the mayor of the 
village or borough aforesaid, for the time being) within the said village or borough 
and the precinct thereof may enter: neither that any sheriff, eschaetor, steward, 
feodarv, or minister of us or our heirs, may enter the village or borough aforesaid, 
or the precincts thereof, there to perform or execute any office, butoniy in default 
of the mayor himself : and that the said mayor thus elected, or to b? elected, by 
his comburgesses aforesaid, immediately after this his election before his said com- 
burgesses in the Moot-Hall aforesaid, shall take his solemn corporal oath as well 
duly aud truly to perform and execute the office of a mayor as the office ot a coroner. 

Mayor dying or removed, unotker to be chosen in eight days. — And if a mayor 
of this borough so elected in manner above, within the year after his election, shall 
happen to die, or shall for his bad administration of the village or borough aforesaid, 
or for any offence, or for some reason be by some means or other deprived oi or re- 
moved from the office of mayor ; then the comburgesses aforesaid, and their suc- 
cessors may chuse and appoint, within eight days next after such death, discharge 
or removal, out of themselves one other comburgess for the mayor of the village 
or borough aforesaid, in the place of that mayor deceased, discarded or removed, 
for the remainder of that year, to rule and govern the said village or borough afore- 
said, who in like manner shall take the oath as above prescribed. 

Non-resident not to be mayor. — And we will and command that no out-dweller, 
or foreigner dwelling without the village or borough and precincts thereof, by vir- 
tue or colour of a burgess, or for that because he is a burgess there, be not neither 
may he be chosen a mayor of the said village or borough, in times to come, upon 
any account whatsoever. 

Mayor to be a justice of the peace. — And likewise out of our special grace, we 
lave granted, and by these presents do grant, to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses 
and their successors, that the said mayor and his successors, be justices and conser- 
vators of our peace, to be kept within the said village or borough aforesaid. And 
that the said mayor and his successors may have for ever authority and power with- 
in the said village or borough, to pieser e the peace as other justices and conserva- 
tors of our peace in this behalf, have in any county of our kingdom of England. 

Assize of bread, 8fc. — Moreover, we will and grant for us and our heirs and 
successors to them, the present mayor and burgesses, that the said present mayor 
and his successors, mayors of the ullage or borough aforesaid, may have for ever 
the superimendency, correction and punishment of the assize of bread and ale, 
and of all other victuals whatsoever, from time to time within the village or bo- 
rough aforesaid, precincts or liberties thereof, so'd or to be sold, as to them shall 
seem convenient and necessary in times to come. And that the said mayoi and 
burgesses and their successors may have a common seal, for measures and weights 
of every kind to be sealed therewith, within the said village or borough, precincts 
and limits thereof, so that the clerk of our market, either upon search or examin- 
ation of measures and weights within the said village or borough, and precincts and 
limits, or for any cause, may not upon any account introduce any other seal than 
this, though heretofore made use of, uuder a very heavy penalty. 



APPENDIX. - Vll 

Watch. — "Moreover, out of our special grace, we will and grant, for us and our 
heirs, for ever, to the said mayor and comburgesses, and iheii successors, that 
the said present mayor and comburgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, for 
the time being, as Ion,; as they shall remain mayors and comburgesses. may have 
power and authority to call together, convene and embody all and singular, our sub- 
jects of the Ullage or borough, of whatsoever degree or condition they be, and 
those who to them appear the more likely, and that they cause them and every of them 
acccording to his degree, well and sufficiently to be armed and accoutred, and that 
they and every of them armec and accoutred in this manner, be kept and held day 
and night to watch and search within the said village or borough, precincts orliberties, 
thereof, for the saieguard. preservation, and delence of the said borough or village. 

Mayor to have return of writs, &c. Mayor and burgesses not to be sued hit 
in the borough court. — And also, out ol oui abundant grace and mere motion, we 
have granud to them the mayor and 'uigesses and their successors, that they may 
for ever have ihe return of all our writs and summonses of our exchequer, and of our 
heirs, and the execution of them. And that neither the said mayor nor burgesses and 
their successors, nor any ol them may plead or be impleaded before us or any 
of our justices, or ol our heirs, without the village or borough aforesaid, concern- 
ing lands and tenerm n:s lyi g within the said village or borough, nor of trespasses, 
agreements or contracts made in the said village or boiough, or concerning any 
other things whatsoevei there arising. But all pleas of this kind which may happen 
to be by summons or a.tachment before u>, our justices, or our heirs, or before any 
of our justices or of our heirs, ol the bench or elsewhere without the village or 
borough, are to be impleaded befote the mayor of the said village or borough for 
the time being, and within the said village or borough they shall be pleaded and de- 
termined, unless the matter itself affect us and our heirs, or the community of 
the said village or borough. 

Mayor and aldermen exempted from offices. — And that the said mayor of the 
village or borough aforesaid, for the lime being, nor any of the comburgesses afore- 
said, or their successors, may be appointed or assigned a manager, searcher or 
collector or any customary taxes, tribute, dues, subsidies, dues for knights' ser- 
vice, tenths, fifteenths, or any other taxes whatsoever, to be gi anted in any manner 
whatsoever to us or to our heirs, without the village or borough .'.foresaid. Also 
Willing and granting to them ihe present mayor and burgesses, that neither they nor 
their heirs or successors, or any of them, in time to come, may be a bailiff, con- 
stable, headborough, or other officer or minister whatsoever, of us, our heirs 
without the village or borough aforesaid, against iheir own inclination. And that 
neither they nor any of them may be forced or compelled to undertake any charge 
of the offices afoiesaid, upon any account whatsoever, without the village or bo- 
rough aforesaid. 

Not to serjf on juries. — And that neither the aforesaid mayor and burgesses 
nor their successors, may be impanneiled upon juries, at the assizes, or upon any 
inquisitions, by reason of their tenements without the borough, or upon any other 
juries whatsoever, which upon account of their tenements or trespasses, or any 
of their other foreign concerns, service is required beioie cur justices or other mi- 
nisters, or of our heirs, tu be done, which will occasion disorder in the said village 
or borough. And all foreigners may not be impanneled with our burgesses upon 
juries of assize, or upon inquisitions, which by reason of their lands and tenements 



Vlll APPENDIX. 

being in the said village or.borough, or of trespasses, contracts, or their other foreign 
businesses, service is required to be done. 

To hold sessions , — And further, out of our abundant grace, we have granted, 
and by these presents do grant and confirm, to them, the said mayor and bur- 
gesses, that they and their successors be our justices for the peace, and for felonies, 
trespasses, and other misdemeanors whatsoever. And that as justices for the 
peace within the village and borough and precincts and bounds thereof, together 
with one learned in the law, at the appointment of the mayor of that village or bo- 
rough for the time being, they may hold fiom time to time by mandate or warrant, 
to be made by the mayor of the said village or borough for the time being, and un- 
to one of the Serjeants at mace of the mayor of the said village or borough for the 
time being, to be directed or made sessions's, to inquire for us and our heks, aS 
often as shall be necessary, 

Gallows and goal, &c. — And that the said mayor and burgesses, and their 
successors, may have a gallows and a proper prison or goal within the said village 
or borough of Pon refract aforesaid, and the precincts and limits thereof, for felons 
and other offenders whatsoever, within the village or borough and precincts and 
limits aforesaid, taken or to be taken in the said prison or gaol, safely and securely 
to be kept until from the same, according to the law and custom of our kingdom 
of England, they shall be discharged. And that the setjeant at mace, so appoint- 
ed within the village or borough aforesaid, for the time being, all receipts anj war- 
rants of the sessicnses so held, in all things may do and execute, or the one of 
them may do and execute, and they and the one of them may attend upon the said 
justices in their sessions for inquisitions, and other things whatoever in the premises 
to be taken or done, and the executions oi judgments and mandates of them the said 
justices in all things may execute and do, or the one of them may execute and do 
as fully and effectually as the sheriff of our county of York, and other our sheriffs, 
justices in this behalf elsewhere, in our kingdom of England, ought to attend and 
the precepts and warrants, ought or shall execute or order to be executed ; so that 
Ho sheriff of our said county of York, for the time being, may in any manner en- 
ter for the execution of these kind of precepts and warrants of the said justices, 
within the village or borough, precincts and limits aforesaid, neither may he in any 
manner enter into the said village or borough, upon this or upon account of any 
of the premises. 

Pozver to determine all offences within the borough. — And also, we will and 
Lave granted, that the said mayor and comburgesses of the village or borough of 
Pontefract aforesaid, for the time being, twelve, eleven, ten, nine, eight, seven, 
six, five, four, three or two, of them, together with the mayor of the village or 
borough afoiesaid, and one skilled in the law, may have full correction, punish- 
ment, power and authority, to take cognizance of, and inquire, hear and deter- 
mine all matters and things, as well touching all felonies, trespasses, misprisons and 
extortians, as ot all and all manner of other causes, complaints and offences what- 
soever, within the same village or borough, and liberty, and precincts and limits 
thereof, howsoever happening or arising, so fully and effectually as conservators 
of the peace and justices assigned, and to be.assigned to hear and determine felonies, 
trespasses and other misdemeanors, and justices of servants, labourers, artificers, 
within our county of York, without the village or borough, liberty and precincts 
aforesaid, haye or shall in any manner have for the tune to come.. 



APPENDIX. IX 

Mayor to collect fee farm rents and tolls. — Provided always, that the said 
mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, for the time being, be constrained 
either by himself or by his deputy or their deputies, yearly to collect or cause to 
be collected, as well the rents of our village or borough aforesaiJ, as the rents 
called Castle-Farms, Andrew-Farms, and Piowland farms, with all tolls, escheats 
and other profits whatsoever, to us belonging. And further — Whereas, torty-nine 
pounds thirteen shillings and tourpence only have been used to be paid to us 
and our predecessors, out ol the profits oi the farms aforesaid, and now lately 
we have been informed, that fifteen pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence thereof, 
out of certain profits of the farms aioresaid, within the precincts of the village or 
borough, cannot be levied because several tenements through decay are totally 
destroyed. Know ye, that we out ot our abundant grace, mere motion and 
certain knowledge for the bettering of our said village or borough, do acquit, 
remit, and release by these presents to the said mayor and burgesses, and their 
successors for ever, the sum of fifteen pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence 
due to us annually; so that the said mayor and burgesses and their successors 
of the village or borough of Pontefract aforesaid, who may happen to be in time 
to come, are bound to answer and pay to us and our heirs lor ever, out of the 
profits of the farms, the sum of thirty-lour pounds and no more. And that 
neither we, nor our heirs have any right to the said fifteen pounds thirteen 
shillings and fourpence, nor any part thereof shall for the time to come, exact 
or claim. 

Market on Saturday, and two fairs. — And moreover, we have granted and 
do grant, and ,by these presents do confirm to the said mayor and burgesses of 
the said village or borough of Pontefract aforesaid, that they and their successors 
may have within the village or borough aforesaid, one market to beheld there 
ever}' week for ever, on every Saturday ; and yearly two fairs there (to wit) the 
one fair of them upon a Palm Sunday in Quadragesima, and to continue lor six 
days next proceeding ; and the other fair thereof upon the feast and Lord's day of 
the holy undivided Trinity, and to continue for six days next preceeding, to- 
gether with all liberties, rights, privileges, and appurtenances to these fairs and 
markets, or any of them belonging, so that these fairs and markets be not to 
the detriment of other neighbouring lairs and markets. 

Ordering of the stalls, 2fc. Exemption from toll, (two fairs excepted.)—^ 
Also, we will and grant for us and our heirs aforesaid, and by these presents 
confirm to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, 
and their successors for ever, that they may have by the mayor of the said village 
or borough for the time being, and two or three of the more creditable and dis = 
creet comburgesses of the said village or borough, assistants to the said mayor, 
they being foi this purpose yearly elected or deputed by the said mayor, for the 
time being ; the management, ordering, and appointment of the stalls and booths 
in all these fairs anc. markets, or any of them to be had or placed, and the whole 
direction of the markets, fairs, and of all and singular liberties, and other usages 
to the said markets and fairs belonging, without the hinderance or disturbance of 
us, or our heirs, or of other our officers whatsoever. Therefore, we will, and 
srictly order and command the aforesaid mayor and burgesses for the time being, 
that none of our subjecis for the future coming into the said village or borough, 
to the markets or fairs (save only in the ttme above specified) be bound or 
constrained to pay any toll or other duty to the said mayor and burgesses for our, 

T t t * 



X APPENDIX. 

or their use. But that all, and singular our subjects in this manner for the time 
to come, resorting together by reason of our grant aforesaid, be therefore free, 
unmolested and exonerated for ever. 

Mayor, &\c. to make! laws, rules, *gc. in the borough. — And moreover, we 
will and grant, and by these presents have granted for us and our heirs to the 
aforesaid mayor and burgesses, and their sucessors, that the said mayor for the 
time being, together with twelve honest men of the said village or borough of 
Pontefract, and the piecincts thereof, for the time being by the said mayor to be 
nominated, with other of the burgesses aforesaid, and by them the mayor and 
honest men convened, if they are so pleased in the Muot-Hall of the village or 
borough aforesaid, as often as they please to meet together, and laws, rules, and 
ordinances legal and beneficial for the public good of the -ullage or borough 
aforesaid, and the precincts thereof from time to time, to ordain and make, and 
those in their wise and prudent government use, and, in the said village or 
borough, and the precincts thereof put in execution. Also, that they may for ever 
revoke and alter them, and every of them, as to themselves it shall seem the 
more expedient. 

Enjoyment of ancient liberties and customs. Burgesses exempted from paying 
toll. — And further, out of our abundant grace, we will, and grant, and by these 
presents confirm for us and our heirs, that the said mayor and burgesses and their 
successors may have, and peaceably enjoy all the liberties and customs by them 
the burgesses and their successors within the village or borough of Pontefract afore- 
said, anciently enjoyed. And that the burgesses aforesaid, and their successors 
and all the inhabitants within the said village or borough, shall be exempted from 
toll, murage, passage, pannage, pontage, and sedage, through our whole King- 
dom of England, and our dominion for ever. 

Tower to mayor and burgesses to hear causes, £fc— Wherefor e we will, and 
strictly command for us and our heirs, that the aforesaid mayor and burgesses 
of the village or borough of Pontefract aforesaid, and their successors may have, 
hold and use, all and singular, the powers of hearing and judging causes, fran- 
chises, liberties, immunities and privileges, and all other the premises as above 
specified, and that them, and every of them, they may fully, freely, intirely, 
peaceably, and quietly occupy and enjoy without the let, interruption, molesta- 
tion, or obstruction of us, or our heirs, of any of our officers or ministers, or of 
our heirs whatsoever, as is above-mentioned, in the manner and form above- 
declared. In witness whereof, we have caused these our letters to be made 
patent. — Gtven under our seal, of our Dutchy of Lancaster the twenty-eighth 
day of July, in the second year of our reign. 

By THOMAS METKALFF, Chancellor. 

The above charter was confirmed by another in the same year. 
Similar charters were granted by Henry VII. and Edward VI.; but as they 
contain no additional clauses, it is unnecessary to print them. 

CHARTER OF JAMES, TO REGULATE THE CHOICE OF THE 

MAYOR. 

JAMES, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, 
King defender of the faith, &c. To all persons, to whom these present letters 
patent shall come greeting, 



APPENDIX. XI 

Part of Henry VII. charier recited, relative to the chusing the mayor.-*- Where- 
as, his Majesty, Henry Vil. late King of England, by his letters patent under the 
seal of his Dutchy of Lancaster, made, bearing date the fust day of December, 
in the fourth year of his reign, granted (amongst other things) to the then mayor 
and burgesses of the village or borough pf Pontefract, and to then- heirs and 
successors for ever ; that the said then present mayor and burgesses, and their 
heirs and successors, mayor and burgesses, upon the feast of St. Michael the 
Archangel, then next ensuing, the date of those said letters patent, and afterwaids 
from year to year, upon the said feast day, amongst the said burgesses, in a 
certain hall, called Moot-Hall, might chuse out of themselves thirteen cura- 
burgesses of the more lepu-ab'e sort of men, burgesses of the village or 
borough aforesaid, one of which burgesses always then should be chosen for the 
mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, and remain mayor of the village or 
borough aforesaid, foi one year next following such election, as by the said letters 
patent, may and doth more fully appear. 

Disputes arising, concerning the elect/on of mayors. — And whereas, we are 
credibly informed, that the election of the mayor cf the village or borough afore- 
said, heretofo-e, hath been made by the greater number of votes and suffrages 
of the burgesses of the said village or borough, by reason of which sort of form 
and manner of election, hhnite contentions, animosities and disputes have 
arisen, and been propagated betwixt the mayor, comburgesses, and burgesses 
of the village or borough aforesaid, for, and in respect of the suffrages and votes 
given in the election of the mayor of the said village or borough, by means 
whereof, very often great hatred, revenge and resentments, and many other evils 
have ensued to the disturbance of our peace, and exceeding bad example of 
others. 

Maijor to he chosen the lAtk Sept. and sworn into office on Michaelmas day.— - 
Know ye, therefore, that we, in order, that all animosity, contention, and quar- 
jelling about the elecJon of the mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, may 
from henceforth be intirely removed, and that peace and good neighbourhood be- 
twixt the mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, may revive, and 
increase ; and also at the humble request of the present mayor and burgesses of the 
village o- borough aforesaid, — Have willed and granted, and by these presents, for us, 
our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village 
or borough aforesaid, and to their successors ; that the election of the mayor of 
the said village or borough, in every year, and from year to year, for the time to 
come, forever, must and shall be upon the feast day of Holy Rood, thai is to 
say, in and upon the fourteenth day of September, in the manner and lorm, in 
these presents under-mentioned arid precribed, 

And that the person who as aforesaid, shall so be elected and appointed mayor 
of the village or borough aforesaid, shall take his corporal oath bet>e the late 
mayor, his predecessor and the comburgesse-s, and burgesses of the >aid village 
or borough, or so many of them who at that time shall be present, in and upon 
the feast of St. Michael the Arch-angel, then next following, such his election 
and nomination aforesaid, well and truly to execute.and d^charge the office of 
mayor, of the village or boiuugh aforesaid, in all those duties relating or apper- 
taining to. the same. 

Comburgesses not to vote in the choice of a mayor. Suffrages to be zo.ole on 
paper, and [ml into a box. — And that after his so taking the aforesaid oath, he 



Xll APPENDIX. 

must, and may be enabled to execute the office of mayor of the village or borough 
aforesaid, for one whole year, then next ensuing. And to the intent, that the 
aforesaid election may be without any contention and malice in any shape,- — We 
will, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors do grant to the 
aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and to thoir 
Successors : that in the above said time of election, every mayor of the village or 
borough aforesaid, for the time to come, every burgess of the village or borough 
aforesaid (except the comburgesses ot the said village or borough) shall write 
himself, or cause to be wtitten in a little scrole of paper, his suffrage and vote, 
and the said scroie of paper, together with the said suffrage and vote in- 
scribed thereupon, shall put into a certain bagg or box for this kind of busi- 
ness to be provided, by the mayor and burgesses of the village or borough afore- 
said. Which said scrole of paper, indeed shall not contain the name of that 
person giving his vote and surTrage, but the incription thereupon shall be in the 
manner and form following, that is to say, " on the fourteenth day of September, 
in the year of our Lord, &c. such a person is elected mayor ot the village or bo- 
rough aforesaid," and that always the day and year, and name of the person so to 
be appointed mayor as aforesaid, must be named and specified thereupon. 

Votes equal the three senior aldermen to vote. — And if it shall happen that the 
number of vote's and suffrages, so as aforesaid to be written upon the small 
scroles of paper, be even and equal, that then three of the senior comburgesses 
who then shall be present, shall join and inscribe their suffrages and votes in 
like manner, upon a scrole of paper, and shall put the same into the aforesaid 
bag or box. And that from time to time, forever, every person for whom the 
most votes shall be given in the manner and form aforesaid, may upon his taking 
a corporal oath, to discharge the office of mayor of the village or borough afore- 
said, and all other things thereunto belonging, or appertaining upon the feast day 
of St. Michael the Arch-angel, next following such election and appointment 
of every such person to the office of mayor aforesaid, in the presence of the mayor 
for the time being, and the comburgesses and burgesses of the village or borough 
aforesaid, or so many of them, who shall please to be present (one of which, 
we order the aforesaid mayor to be) before that he undertakes the office of 
mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, have, execute and perform the same 
for one whole year, then next following the aforesaid feast of St. Michael the 
Arch- angel, upon which, so as aforesaid, he shall be sworn into the said office 
of mayor, of the village or borough aforesaid, the aforesaid letters patent above- 
mentioned, or any other letters patent whatsoever, or any other matter, cause, or 
thing whatsoever, to the contrary thereof, in any wise notwithstanding. 

The sa oles of paper, or votes, to be inspected by the three senior aldermen, and 
burnt by them.— And we order that the aforesaid scroles of paper thus inscribed, 
only shall be inspected, and the votes thereupon inscribed, only shall be read by 
the three senior comburgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, who at such 
election there shall be present. And that after every such election in the manner 
aforesaid, to be fully complete and perfected the said scroles of paper so as above, 
mentioned, to be put into the said bag or box immediately, shall be burnt by 
the three senior comburgesses of the village or borough aforesaid. 

Power to arrest, ftc — Andwheieas, the said late King Henry VII. by his 
said letters patent above-mentioned, granted to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses 
a d their successors, that they, by their sergeants at mace, should have power 



APPENDIX. X1U 

and authority to attach, and arrest all men and women whatsoever, less sufficient 

(or proper objects) by their bodies, in all manner of plens, plaints, contracts, 

and demands, or other actions peisonal, real, or mixt whatsoever, within the 

vi'lage or boiough aforesaid, and the precincts thereof, in any manner howsoever 

transacted or arising, which in any manner were commenced, or might from 

thenceforth for the time to come, happen to be Commenced, as by the said letters 

patent (amongst other things) it may, and doth mure fully appear. We out of 

our abundant special grace, and out of our certain knowledge, and mere motion, 

do will, and grant to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough 

aforesaid, and their successors by these presenis, that they, by their Serjeants at 

mace, may have, and shall have power and authority, as well to attach and arrest 

all men and women whatsoever, less sufficient (or proper objects) by their bodies 

to answer any person or persons complaining or to complain of, or concerning; 

any actions, personal or mixt, in the court of the village or borough aforesaid 

pleadable, as to take and execute any execution and executions, oi' or concerning 

any goods and chatties, within the village or borough aforesaid, to be found, for 

a satisfaction of any debts or debt, or any sum of money, which in the rourt of 

the village or borough aforesaid, shall from time to time, be duly recovered in 

any such actions or plaints, determinable in the court of the said village or 

borough. And in all, and singular such actions, to put into force, and use aft 

such processes, judgments, and executions, as by the law and custom of this, 

our Kingdom of Engltnd, in such like actions are used, and ought to be used, 

and that in ai extensve a manner and form, as in any other our courts ol record, 

in any other borough, city, or village, incorporated within this our Kingdom of 

England, is used and accustomed, or ought, or can be done. 

Gate law toll. — Aid further, we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs 
and successors, do gent to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or 
bo-ough aforesaid, aid their successors, that the mayor of the village or borough, 
aforesaid, for the tiie being, or any other person or persons by him, to be 
deputed for the tine to come for ever, may have full authority and power, by- 
virtue ol these presM*, to have, ask, demand, take, receive and retain of every 
person or persons vith every cart (in English) a wayne, cart, or shodd, bound 
with iron (in Englh) called a bound, wayne or cart, or shodd, wayne or cart 
loaden, and in, thnigh or beyond the streets of the village 01 borough aforesaid, 
or in, through or>eyond any passage or way, within the liberty or precincts of 
the said village or trough, coming or passing, one penny ; and for eve;y cart (in 
English) called a bre wayne, cart, or a shodd cart, one halfpenny of lawful money 
of England, for, and towards the repaii and support of the ways, pavements, 
passages, and otfer places within the borough aforesaid, and the precincts thereof, 
to be applied acording to the discretion of the mayor, and comburgesses of the 
village or boroua aforesaid, for the time being ; and these our letters patent, or 
the inrollment tsreof, shall be from time to time, as well to the aforesaid mayor 
for the time beir;. as to all such persons by him aj aforesaid to be deputed, a 
sufficient warran and discharge in that respect. 

Grant and enfirmation of ancient liberties. — And further, we will, and by these 
presents for us,jur heirs and succsssors do grant, give, ratify, confirm, and allow 
unto the aforesid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and to 
their successor, all and all manner of liberties, franchises, immunities, exemptions, 
privileges, re'iquishments and jurisdictions, which the mayor and burgesses of 
the village oborough afore-.aid, now have, ob:erve, use and enjoy, or which 



XIV APPENDIX. 

any of them, or their predecessors by whatsover name or names, or by what- 
soever incorporation, or upon account of any manner of incorporation whatsoever, 
heretofore, have, had, used, or enjoyed or ought to have, hold, use, or enjoy by 
heredirary descent, by leascn, or in pursuance of any chatters, or letters patent, 
by any of our progenitors or ancestors, late King'*s or queen's of England, in any 
manner heretofore, made, confirmed or granted, or by reason of any other lawful 
means, right, tithe, custom, use, or prescription, heretofore, lawfully used, had, 
or accustomed, although the same, every, or any of them heretotbie, ha\e or haih 
not been used, misued, or wrongfully applied, or have, or hath been discontinued, 
and although the same, every, or any of them, are, or have been lorfeited, or 
extinguished ; — To have, hold, and enjoy the same unto the aforesaid mayor and 
burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and to their successors for ever. 
And therefore, 

Yielding and paying to us, our heirs and successors yearly, so many, so great, 
such like, the very same, and the same kind of rents, services, sums of money 
and demands whatsoever, as many, as great, such as, and which heretofore they 
have used to yield and pay to us, for the same, or ought to yield and pay. Where- 
fore, we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs, and successors, do grant 
that the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and 
their successors may have, hold, use, and enjoy, and may be enabled and im- 
powered, fully and effectually, to have, hold, use, and mjoy for ever, all the 
liberties, freedoms, customs, privileges, authorities, jurisdictions, and exemptions 
aforesaid, according to the tenor and true meaning of theie, our letteis patent, 
without the hindetance or obstruction of us, or of our heirs or successors whatsoever. 
Forbidding, that the said mayor and burgesses of the vilhge or borough afore- 
said, and their successors, or any of them, or any others, by reason of the premises, 
or any of them, may be therefore harrassed, disturbed, vered or distressed, or 
in any manner molested by us, our heirs or successors, or bvcur justices, sheriffs, 
cschaetors, or other bailiffs, feodaries, or other, our officers o ministers, or of our 
heirs and successors whatsoever. Willing, and by these >resents for us, our 
heirs and successois, commanding and enjoining, as well>ur treasurer, chan- 
cellor and barons of our exchequer, and of our heirs and succe5ors, as our attorney 
and solicitor general for the time being, and every of them, and all others, our 
officers and ministers whatever, that neither they, or any of hem, or any other 
persons may prosecute, or continue, or cause, or procure tc be prosecuted, or 
continued any writ, or summons, for which they have our wrrant, or any other 
writ or writs, or processes whatsoever against them, the mayr and burgesses of 
the village or borough aforesaid, or any of them, or against any ther persons, for 
any profits, matters or things, offences, claims or customs, ofor any of them 
due, claimed, challenged, used, enjoyed, or had by prescriptio from them, or 
one of them, before the day of the granting these presents. Witng also, that the 
mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, or ar of them, may 
not by any person, or any oi the justices, officers, or ministeraforesaid, be in 
the least oppressed or incumbered, for or in respect of any det, profit, claim, 
enjoyment, or misuser of any o( the liberties, franchises or juisdictions, before 
the granting of these our letteis patent, or that they may e compelled to 
answer for the same, or any of them. 

(Then follows the regulations of St. Nichalas' Hospital, as sited under that; 
Atticle.) 



APPENDIX. XV 

We will, also, and by these presents, do grant to the aforefaid mayor and 
burgesses of the village or borough, that they may have, and shall have, these our 
let ers patent, under our great seal of England, in due form, made and sealed 
without tine, or great or small fee, in any manner, by reason thereof, to be 
yielded, paid, or rendered to us, in our hanaper, or elsewhere, for our use, 
notwithstanding express mentioned, is not above made of the annual value, or 
of any other \aiue, or a certainty of the premises, or any of them, or of any other 
gifts or grants heretofore, made by us, or by any of our ancestors or progenitors, 
to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the villages or borough aforesaid, is 
at leaNt ascertained in or upon these presents. Any statute, act, law, proviso, 
proclamation, or restriction to the contrary thereof," heretofore, had, made, pub- 
lished, enacted or provided, or any other matter, cause or thing whatsoever, in any 
wise notwiihstanding. In witness whereof, we have made these our letters 
patent; witnes> ourself at Westminster, the 2d day of March, in the fourth 
year of our reign, of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the fortieth. 

By writ from the private seal, &c. 

TOPPiN. 

No new grant is made in the Charter of Charles II. The following clause re- 
git ates the choice of the Towns-Clerk and Recorder : 
Also, we will, and by these presents, we declare our royal meaning to be, that 
John Dickson, the now common clerk, or clerk oi the peace of the borough aforesaid, 
may be, and shall be the common clerk and clerk of the peace there, during his 
natural lile. And that no recorder or common clerk of our village or borough 
aforesaid ; lor nhe future to be elected jr appointed into this kind of office or 
offices, or either of them may respectively enter before, thev, and each ...fthem 
is, are, or shall by us, our heirs or successors, by a warrant in that behalf, under 
our sign mannual ; and of our heirs and successors be respectively appioved of, any 
thing in these presents contained, or any other matter, cause, or thing whatsover 
to the contrary thereof, in any wise notwithstanding. 

The Charter of James II contains no new grants, and it is deemed unnecessary to 
print more than the following clause : 
Officers removpuble at the will of the King. — Provided always, and by these 
presents, we reserve to ourself, our heirs and successors, full power and authority 
from time to time, and at all times hereafter, at our, at the will and pleasure of 
our heirs and successors, to remove and to declare them to be removed, the mayor, 
recorder, common clerk, and any other, or others ot the aldermen of the village 
or borough aforesaid for the time being, by any order of us, or of our heirs or 
successors, ma e in the piivy counsel, and under the seal of the privy counsel 
aforesaid, respectively notified. And as often as we, our heirs and successors, 
by any such order in our privy counsel, made, shall, in this manner declare the 
mayor, recorder, common clerk and any other, or others of the aldermen of the 
village or borough aioresaid, lor the time being, to be removed from their re- 
spective offices that then, and Irom thenceforth, the mayor, recorder, common- 
clerk and any other, or others of the aldermen of the village or borough aforesaid, 
for the time being, thus declared, or to be declared, to be removed from their 
several and respective offices, may be, and shall verily, and without any further 
process ; i tally, and to all intents and purposes whatsoever, be removed, and this 
must be done as oft as occasion shall so require, any thing to the contraiy thereof 
notwithstanding. 



XVI APPENDIX. 

CHARTRR FOR THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 

GEORGE THE THIRD, by the grace of God, of Great Britain.. France and 
Ireland, King, Defender of ihe Faith, and so forth ; and to all to whom these our 

letters shall come, greeting Whereas, it hath been represented to us that the 

Free Grammar School in our town of Pontefract, in our county of York, hath of 
late been going rapidly to decay, and that particularly for several years past, there 
hath been no master of the said Free Grammar School appointed by us, to whom, in 
right of our Dutchy of Lancaster, the patronage of the said school of right belongs ; 
nor hath any proper or tit person, for several years past, appeared to solicit the ap- 
pointment to that office. And, whereas the mayor, aldermen and burgesses, of 
our said town of Pontefract, and divers inhabitants of the said town, have humbly 
represented the several matters aforesaid, to us, for our royal consideration and as- 
sistance therein, and have expressed themselves ready and willing, by, and at the 
expence of the inhabitants of our said town of Pontefract, to rebuild the said Free 
Grammar School, together with a convenient residence for the master thereof, to be 
appointed by us and our successors, in right of our said dutchy of Lancaster, in the 
same manner as heretofore hath been done; and they have also humbly requested 
us, for the better carrying into execution the several purposes aforesaid, to re-found 
the said Free Grammar School, and to make and enact, or cause to be made and 
enacted, by some proper and fit persons or person, by us appointed thereunto, 
some constitutions, rules, statutes and ordinances, for the regulation of the conduct 
of the master and scholars of such Free Grammar School ; and for electing, limit'ng 
and defining the number of Scholars to be educated upon the said foundation; and 
for the introduction and permanent regulation of such other matters as may tend 
to the advantage of the said school, as to our royal wisdom shall seem fit. Now, 
Know Ye, that we being willing and desirous to promote the welfare of our said 
town of Ponteftact and our township of Tanshelf, in the county of York, and to 
re-establish the said school, in such manner as may hereafter encourage and pro- 
mote the education of youth of the description herein-after mentioned, within our 
town of Pontefract and township of Tanshelf; of our special grace, certain know- 
ledge and mere motion, will and grant, for ourselves, our heirs and successors, 
that the said Free Grammar School, situate and being within the said town of 
Pontefract, in the said county of York, shall for ever hereafter be called The 
King's School ; and shall be deemed and taken to be a Free Grammar School of 
©ur own royal foundation, for the teaching and educating o( seventeen boys, ail of 
■whom (except the boy to be elected, nominated, and appointed from the charity 
school in the town of Pontefract, as herein-after is mentioned) at the time of being 
elected and appointed to be of the said foundation, shall be children of resident in- 
babitants, legally settled within the township of Pontefract, or the said township of 
Tanshelf, or of any deceased inhabitants or inhabitant, who were legally settled 
therein at the time of their or his decease; and for the teaching and educating of 
Such children, we further Mill, direct and appoint, that a fit and discreet person, 
as soon as conveniently may be, and foT ever hereafter upon the happening of any 
"vacancy within three calender months from the happening of such vacancy, shall 
be nominated and appointed in the name, or names of us, our heirs and successors, 
by the chancellor of our dutchy of Lancaster, by letters patent under the seal of our 
said dutchy, to be master of the said Free Grammar School during the good-will 
and pleasure of us, our heirs and successors, in the manner heretofore accustomed ; 
which person, as a necessary qualification for such appointment, shall have taken 
upon him, previous to such appointment, the state and degree of a master of arts, 



APPENDIX. XV11 

or bachelor of laws, at one of our Universities of Oxford or Cambtidge, and also 
shall have had oidination as a priest or deacon of ;he church of England; and who, 
at the time of such his appointment, or at any time afterwards, during his conti- 
nuing master of such Free Grammar School, shall not have or possess any benefice, 
within fifteen m.les of the town of Pontel'ract, the lectureship of the said town, or 
preacher of the Sunday afternoon sermon, in the said town only excepted. And 
for the fetter regulation of the said foundation, we further direct, appoint, and 
order, that the seventeen boys to be educated upon the said foundation, shall be 
elected, nominated, and appointed by the pet sons, and in the manner herein- 
after more particularly specified, (that is to say) 

Our royal will and pleasure is, thai two of the said seventeen boys, of the de- 
scription aforesaid, shall be nominated and appointed by the chancellor oi the dut- 
chy of Lancaster, for the time being, in his own name in writing, under his own 
proper hand and seal, when and as often as such boys, or either of them, shall in 
any manner make a vacancy, by dying, or leaving, or being removed from the 
said foundation ; so however that such boys or boy, so nominated and appointed, 
at the time of such nomination and appointment be made fn the manner aforesaid, 
within three calendar months from the time such vacancy shall have been announ- 
ced, and certified in writing, signed by th« master of the said foundation, and 
two of the curators, (herein-after to be appointed) or if there shall be no master at 
the time of such vacancy, by two of the curators ; and in default of such appoint- 
ment within the time aforesaid, then we will, direct and appoint, that such nomi- 
nation and appointmeit shall, for that vacancy only, be made by the curators of 
the said foundation ; so however, that such appointment and nomination be made 
in writing, and signed by the greater number of such curators for the time being, 
the mayor of the town for the time, being one of such signing parties; and that 
such appointment express, that the boy so nominated and appointed, is made in 
default of appointment, by our chancellor of our dutchy of Lancaster for the time 
being, within the time herein-before specified. But we hereby further declare 
our royal will and pleasure to be, that no informality in the manner or form of 
appointment, provided it be made within the time before specified, by our chan- 
cellor of the said dutchy of Lancaster, shall entitle the said curators to make such 
appointment. 

And our royal will and pleasure further is, that fourteen boys, to be of the 
said foundation, who shall also be seven years of age at the least, at the time of 
appointment, shall be of the nomination, election and appointment of the curators 
of the said foundation, or the major part of the complete number of such curatots, 
living at the time of such nomination, election, or appointment ; such nomination, 
election, or appointment, to be made pusuant to the constitutions, statutes, rules 
and ordinances, to be ordained by the attorney general of our dutchy of Lancaster 
for the time being, by writing under his hand and seal, or as they may hereafter 
be altered or added to, by the curators herein-after mentioned; so however that 
such alteration in the said constitutions, statutes, rules and ordinances, from time 
to time, be approved by our said attorney general, of our said dutchy of Lancaster 
for the time being, under his hand and seal. And that such nomination, election, 
and appointment, be made within three calendar months, from the time of the 
vacancy happening, which is to be filled up by such curatots, and which ultimate 
time for making such election or appointment, we will and direct, shall not be 
subject to any alteration by our said attorney general, or curators, or either of 
them ; and in delault of such nomination, election and appointment of the said 
last-mentioned fourteen boys, or any of them, within three calendar months from 
the time of any vacancies, or vacancy, happening j our royal will and plasure is^ 

u u u * 



XVlll APPENDIX. 

that our chancellor of our Dutchy of Lancaster, for the time being, after the time 
of the lapse of the said three months, shall, in his own proper name, nominate 
and appoint, in writing under his hand and seal, to such vacancies, ar vacancy, 
so as aforesaid suffered to lapse. But our royal will and pleasure is, that no 
informality in the mode of electing, nominating and appointing of the said four- 
teen boys or any of them, by the said curators, shall entitle our said chancellor of 
our Dutchy of Lancaster, to nominate and appoint to such last-mentioned vacan- 
cies, or vacancy, or any of them ; provided the mode of -electing, nominating and 
appointing of such fourteen boys, or any of them, by the said curators, shall be 
substantially corresponding with, and pursuant to, the directions far such election, 
nomination and appointment, contained in this our royal charter, and in the con- 
stitutions, rules, statutes and oidinances made by our attorney general, of our 
Dutchy of Lancaster, for the time being as aforesaid, or as altered by the said 
curators, and approved as aforesaid by our s id attorney general. 

And our royal will and pleasure further is, that the one other boy to be of 
the age and desci iption aforesaid, shall be elected, nominated and appointed out 
of, and from amongst, the boys maintained and educated at the Charity School 
within our said town of Pontefract, called or known by the name of the " Town 
School," by the trustees of the said Charity School, for the time being, or the 
major part of them , such election, nomination and appointment, to be made or 
certified in writing, and signed by the major part of such trustees ; and such boy, 
so nominated, elected and appointed, shall be taught and educated in the same 
manner as the other boys upon the said foundation shall be ; (free fiom all fees 
or expences whatsoever) for a term not exceeding five years, or for such other 
time and no longer, within the space of seven years, as shall be specified in the 
said certificate, or appointment of the said trustees, or major part of them, in 
case any time shall be therein specified ; and at the end of such period of time 
so specified, or at the end of five years, or within thiee calendar months after 
either of such times, the said trustees, or the major pait of ■ them, shall again in 
manner aforesaid nominate, elect and appoint, and certify the election, nomina- 
tion and appointment of one other boy, out of, and from amongst, the boys of the 
said Town Charity School, to be taught and educated in manner, and during the 
time aforesaid. 

And our further royal will and pleasure is, and we do ordain, nominate and 
appoint, the mayor, recorder and aldermen of our said town of Pontefract, and 
the vicar of the vicarage within the parish of Pontefract, for ever hereafter, to be 
the curators or guardians of our said school ; and that they shall have full power 
and authority to enforce and carry into execution, in such manner as to them 
shall seem fit, and consistent with the law of the realm, and this bur charter; 
all such constitutions, statutes, rules and ordinances, as shall be made by our 
attorney general, of our Dutcy of Lancaster for the time being, under his hand 
and seal, for the regulation of the said foundation and school, and of the master 
and scholars thereof; and to regulate and direct what books, or authors, shall 
be taught in the said Free Grammar School, and to appoint and distribute the 
times of teaching the same 5 and what sums; or sum of money, shall be paid 
by the boys, to be educated upon the said foundation, to the master of the said 
Free Grammar School, and the times and time of payment thereof, and their 
continuance upon the said foundation, and the time of quitting the same ; and 
the discipline of the said school, as well of correction as expulsion : and the im- 
posing of such conditions or performances upon the said master, consistent with 
the provisions aforesaid, as the said curators shall think for the benefit of. the 
said Free Grammar School, and of all other matters and things, touching the 



APPENDIX. XIX 

regulation and management of the said foundation in the first instance, and subject 
to the controul, reversal or alteration, by the visitor of the said foundation. And 
also from time tu time to alter, amend, or new model such constitutions, statutes, 
lules and ordinances, with the approbation of our attorney general for the Dutchy 
of Lancaster, lor the time being, testified by his signing and sealing the same ; so 
however that such alterations in n > manner 4mpugn, contradict, or be in any wise 
inconsistent with this our royal charter. 

And our royal will and pleasure is, and we do hereby d'rect and appoint, 
that our chancellor of our dutchy ol Lancaster for the time being, shall be the 
visitor of the said Free Grammar School, herein. before erected and founded ; 
and that if the said master and scholars, or any of them, shall think themselves, 
or himself, aggrieved by the determination or judgment of the said curators, upon 
any subject entrusted hereby to theii judgment or regulation, unassisted by the 
attorney general of our Dutchy of Lancaster, for the time being; such master 
and scholars, so thinking themselves aggrieved, shall have a right of appealing to 
our said visitor, who shall ha re full power and authority to decide such appeal, 
and to make such order and regulations therein, as shall in his judgment be light 
and expedient ; and that he may exercise such powers and authorities as be- 
longing to the office of visitor 10 do. In witness whereof, we have caused these 
our letters to be made patent. — Given at our palace of Westminster, under the 
seal of our Dutchy ot Lancaster, the thirteenth day of February, tn the thirty- 
second year of our reign, and in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred 
and ninty-two, 

JOHN ORD. VILLIERS. 

Inrolied in the Dutchy Court, the 25th day of February. 

F. RUSSELL, Register. 



•®S3>3@|<^g)]©©®©(S( 



Constitutions, Rules, Statutes and Ordinances ; to be kept, maintained^ar 
served, by the master and scholars of the Free Grammar School of the 
of Pontefract, ot the foundation uf his most excellent Majesty 
the Third, duly made, and signed by John Ord, Esq. his Majesty's attorney 
general of the Dutchy of Lancaster, pursuant to powers lor that puipose to 
him given, in and by, his said Majesty's letter- patent, under the >eal ol the 
same dutchy, bearing date the 13th day of February, in the thirty-second 
year of his reign, and in the year of our Lord 1792. (That is to say) 

First. J- HAT the boys educated at the Free Grammar School in the town of 
Pontetract, under and by virtue of, his Majesty's said letters patent, shall be 
assembled and instructed, in the school-room erected for that purpose, and not 
elsewhere; at such hours of the day as the master shall think fit, in the Latin 
and Greek Grammais; and at suitable periods, in the Latin and Greek Classics. 
The master of the said school shall have the appointment and regulation of the 
periods, at which such books and authors shall be taught and exp'a'n d to the 
boys upon the said foundation ; and of the several hours of the day when such 
boys shall be assembled together and taught; and of the distribution, and order 
of reading or teaching such books, and of e\ery regulation touching the teaching 
and instruction of such boys, subject to the controul herein-after mentioned, (that 
is to say.) That the master shall put down in writing, the scheme and plan of 
instruction which he means and intends to pursue, and lay the same before the 



XX APPENDIX. 

curators, who shall be summoned to take the same into consideration; and the 
said curators, or the major part of them, of whom the vicar or recorder of Ponte- 
fract shall be one, shall have lull power and authority to alter, vary or new model, 
such plan of instruction and teaching, and every thing relating thereunto; and 
when such plan of instruction shall be approved by the said curators, or the 
major patt of them (of whom the vicar or recorder of Pontefract shall be one) the 
same shall be fairly ttanscribed, and signed by the curatots, allowing avid ap- 
proving the same; and such plan of instruction shall from thence-forward be 
continually used at the said Free Grammar School, by every succeeding master 
of such school, subject only to such alterations as may be made therein at any 
time, by the curators or guardians of such foundation, or the major part of them. 

Secondly, That the discipline of the school, so far as relates to the censure, 
punishment or reward of the scholars, shall be left wholly to the discretion of the 
master; but in case of any cruelty, or immoderate punishment oi any kind, upon 
the complaint of the parents or parent, guardians or guardian, or any other person 
who may have the management and superintendance, of the education of any 
boy upon the said foundation, not having any parent or guardian, to the mayor j 
or, in his absence, to the senior alderman of Pontefract, then resident in the said 
town : which said mayor, or in his absence, the said senior alderman, shall, 
within two days from the time of such complaint, summon a meeting of the 
curators, or so many of them as shall be within a reasonable distance, to meet 
within twenty-four hours, from the time of such summons, and shall hear the 
complaint in the presence of the said master, and of the parent., guardian, or 
person standing as aforesaid in the place of parent and guardian ; who shall have 
notice in writing of the time and place of such meeting, and examine into the 
circumstances thereof, and shall determine and resolve, whether such grievance 
or complaint is well or ill founded generally, without stating any special circum- 
stances whatsoever ; and shall put down, or cause to be put down in writing, and 
signed by the curators present, or the major part thereof, such their resolution, 
and preserve, or cause the same to be preserved, until a general meeting of the 
curators shall be called, or had ; and such resolution shall be laid before such 
general meeting ; and at such general meeting, if the complaint shall be resolved 
to be well founded, the said master may be admonished and reproved by the 
mayor, in the name of the curators, and an entry shall be made in a book, and 
preserved of such admonition and reproof; and the curators, if they shall think 
fit, shall represent the same to the visitor of the said school, for his disci etion and 
judgment therein. 

Thirdly, That the master of the said Free Grammar School, shall have no 
power whatsoever, to expel any offending boy of the said foundation, from the 
said school, for any offence whatsoever ; but that upon any offence committed 
by any of the said boys, which shall in his discretion be worthy of punishment, 
or notice to that extent, the master shall with all convenient speed, apply to the 
mayor for the time being ; or in his absence to the senior alderman, then resident 
in the said town, and request in writing, that he would summon a meeting of the 
curators, or so many of them as may live within a reasonable distance, within two 
days from the time of such rsquest, to consider of the offence of such boy ; during 
which interval, and until such meeting &hal! be had, the said master shall be at 
liberty to suspend the education of such boy, and to prohibit his coming to be 
taught at the said school : And at such meeting of the curators, so to be had, 
the said boy so offending and the parent, guardian or person having the direction 
of the education of such boy, if he hath no parent or guardian, shall have notice 
in writing, signed by the mayor, or in his absence by the senior alderman of the 



APPENDIX. XXI 

town, then resident, to be present ; and such order shall be then and there- 
made, for the admonition, punishment, suspension or expulsion of such boy, as 
to the curators present, or the major part of them, (the vicar or recorder being 
one joining in the making of such order) shall seem just, and such admonition or 
punishment shall be can ied into effect with all convenient dispatch, publicly in 
the school -roum, in the presence of the other boys upon the same foundation, as 
tar as the same may be consistent with the right of the visitor therein. 

Fourthly, There shal be paid bv the parent, guardian or person taking upon 
him the expence of the education of the said foundation boys, (except the boy 
chosen out of the chanty school in Pontefract, by the trustees of the said charity) 
to the master of the said Free Grammar School, one guinea a year, by equal 
quarterly payment ; and for such cf the said boys who shall learn writing and 
arithmetic, (except such one chatitv boy) one guinea more a year, by such 
quarterly payments, and it shall be at the option of the parent, guardian or other 
person taking upon him the expence of the education of such boy, to chuse whether 
he shall, or not, be instructed in writing and arithmetic. But the boy elected, 
nominated or appointed to the said foundation, from the charity school at Ponte- 
fract, shali he taught writing and arithmetic, and nothing shall be paid for such his 
instruc.ton, nor tor any other instruction he shall receive upon the said foundation, 
v, Tnat the master of the said Free Grammar School, shall be obliged 
to receive the sons of any of the inhabitants of the towns of Pontefract and Tan- 
shelf, and instruct and educate them in the same manner, and in the same 
authors, and with the like discipline, and subject to the same rules, orders and 
restrictions. • ith those herein-before specified relating to the said seventeen boys, 
upon the said foundation, (except that of expulsion, which shall be at the discre- 
tion of the master, as to such boys as are not o! the said foundation) upon being 
paid tor the education of each boy, two guineas a year by equal quarterly pay- 
ments : and in case any of such boys shall be taught writing and arithmetic, 
which shall be at the option of the parent, guardian or person taking upon hira 
the expence of the education of such boy, there shall be paid by quarterly pay- 
ments, for such instruction in writing and arithmetic, one guinea a year and rm 
more : Over and above the fees of salary paid to the master for the education 
of the said boys, he shall be paid for the latin and greek books necessary for 
their instruction and lor the paper, pens and ink used by them, a fair and rea- 
sonable price, to be ascertained and settled by the curators, or any three of them, 
the mayor and vicar be'ng two, in case of any difference or dispute about the 
price or charge for such articles made by the said master. 

Stxt&hf, No boy, whether of the said foundation, or not, and whether he be 
the son of an inhabitant or the town of Pontefract and Tanshelf, or not; shall be 
taught bv, or under the direction or permission of the master of such school, 
wri ing a d arithmetic, or either of them, unless he is also instructed in the latin 
and greek languages, or one of them, in the same manner with the boys upon the 
said foundation. 

:h ;/, That the master of the said Free Grammar School, be permitted 
to take into his house boarders and lodgers, and instruct any other boys, although 
they mav not be the sons ef inhabitants of the towns of Pontelract and Tanshelf. 
upon such terms as he shall think fit, so th^t such boys be educated at the same 
times, and in the same authors, and in the same school-room as the boys of the 
said foundation, and be mixed and intermingled with them, according to their 
ages af proficiency in learning; but the said master shall, on no account, be per- 
mitted to take any beys to educate privately, and separate from the othei boys, 
or any of them, nor shall any distinction be made between the said boys upon th 



XXII APPENDIX. 

said foundation, or any of them, and the other boys educated by the said master, 
or any of them ; either by any badge or mark, or by the place of their silting in 
such school-room, or by any other mode of treatment, whatever, except so far 
as relates to the expulsion, which, as to such boys who are not upon the said 
foundation, shall be left to the discretion of the said master. 

Eighth/, That an annual meeting shall be held by the said curators upon 
Tuesday next alter Easter day, i n the school. room ; at which meeting the master 
shall, without any notice or request for that purpose ; lay before the curators pre- 
sent at such meeting, the number of all the boys under education at his school, 
and the number of assistants or ushers which he, then, and for six months before 
hath had constantly in employ, and for the teaching of what branches or branch 
of education ; and in case the curators, or the major part of them, at such meeting, 
shall resolve that the number of such assistants or ushers, is nisufhcient for the 
teaching and instructing of the said boys, then the said master shall, upon the 
order or request in writing, signed by the said curators, or the major part thereof, 
add so many assistants or ushers, within one calendar month from the date of 
such request, as such curators, or the major part thereof, shall direct and speciiy ; 
whose salaries or recompence shall be paid by the said master. 

Ninthly, That no boy shall be taken and educated at the said school, whether 
he be of the said foundation, or not, unless he be of the age of seven years complete, 
at the time of his first coming to be educated; nor shall- any boy upon the said 
foundation, be permitted to stay at such school beyond the full age of sixteen 
years, unless it is intended to send any of the boys to any of the universities of Ox- 
lord or Cambridge; and in such case, upon the representation of such intention by 
the master, and upon the request, in writing, of the parent, guardian or person 
taking upon him the expence ot the education of such boy ; or in case of the said 
charity boy, upon the request of the trustees of the said charity school, in writing, 
signed by themselves, or the major part of them, the curators at their annual 
meeting; such boys or boy, upon the special permission, in writing, figned by the 
said curators of such meeting, or the major part of them, may be continued at the 
said school to the full age of eighteen, and no longer. 

Tenthhj, That every election of the fourteen boys to be elected, nominated 
and appointed by the curators, to be Upon the foundation of the said Free Gram- 
mar School, be made by ballot, whereof every curator shall have eight days pre- 
vious notice, in writing, exclusive of the day of giving such notice, and of the 
day for such balloting ; and no one boy shall be elected without having, on the bal- 
lot, a majoiity of the curators present in his favour. 

Eleventhly, That on every vacancy amongst the fourteen boys of the said foun- 
dation, appointed by the said curators, a notification thereof in writing, within two 
days, shall be given by the master of the said Free Grammar School to the 
mayor, or in his absence to the senior alderman for the time being, resident in the 
said town of Pontelract; and that the said mayor, or in his absence the said senior 
alderman, shall, within seven days after such notification given by the said master, 
summon a meeting of the said curators, to be held at the school-house, to ballot for 
and elect another boy to supply such vacancy ; and that on every vacancy made by 
either of the two boys, nominated and appointed by ihe visitor of the said founda- 
tion, the like notice in writing, sha'l be given by the master to the mayor, or in his 
absence to the said senior alderman, and the mayor or senior alderman, then resi- 
dent, shall give notice thereof in writing, to the visitor of the said foundation, who 
shall, by the said mayoi or the said senior alderman, be respectfully requested in 
writing, to fill up such vacancy ; and upon the vacancy of the boy appointed 
from the charity school of the said town of Pomefract, the like notice in writing. 



ADDENDA. XXUi 

shall be given to the trustees of the said charity school, for the time being, or such 
of them as shall be then in England, and capable of acting in the said trust, of such 
vacancy, and a request shall be made by be said mastei, in writing, to them, to 
fill up ilu j vacancy., with all conv ient expedition. 

Tzoelfthty, That over and above the aforesaid fees and allowances to the said 
master, tor the instruction of the said boys, elected and chosen to be upon the said 
foundation, and o\ such other boys as shall be the sons of inhabitants living and re- 
siding within the town of Pontefract and township of Tanshelf; there shall be paid 
to the master yearly, for each buy, (except fjr the said boy chosen from the cha- 
rity school in Pontelract) after the Christmas Holidays, beginning after Christmas 
next, after each b >ys coming to school, two shillings each, for the expence of a 
fire in the said school room,' and the further sum of one shilling each, for repair- 
ing the school-room a d school-house ; and the master shall regularly account for, 
and deposit such monies in the hands of the town clerk of the town of Pontefract, 
and the same shall be kept by him, as a fund for repairing the said school-room 
and school-house, and shall be applied for those purposes in such manner as the 
curators, or the greater part of them, shall at any time direct : But the boy 
nominated by the tiustees otthe said charity school in Pontefract, shall pay no part 
of such expence ot tire and repairs, or any other expence of education whatsoever 
Thirteertlhiy, That all the children during their education in the said school, 
shall be instructed in the Protestant religion, according to the rites and ceremonies 
of the church ot England, as by law established ; and every scholar, unless im- 
peded by bodily indisposition, shall regularly, as well on Sundays as on such other 
of the day-, ser apart by the church lor public worship, as shall be specially dire- ted 
by the master, resort to the parish church of Pontefract, or some other parish 
church in the neighbourhood thereof, to be allowed by the master ; and there 
abide orderly and soberly, during the time of common prayer and preaching the 
sermon. p. RTJsSEL, Register. 

ADDENDA. 

To the Chapter on Donations. 

1VJ.RS. ANN HTRST, of York, by deed of gift to the mayor, recorder and \icar 
of Pontelract, gave fifty pounds in trust, to be lent out to two poor tradesmen 
in equal shares of twenty-five pounds, without interest, for seven vears, on find- 
ing two sufficient bondsmen for the payment thereof; and in case one cr both the 
bondsmen snouid die, the tradesmen to whom the money has been lent, are to 
find other hond^en, within one month, or to pay in the money to the tiustees. 

Ann Hirst was a native of this place, and made the above donation as a testi- 
mony of her respect, prompted by a wish to encourage honest industry. The deed 
is dated in tne year 1781. 

Leonard Healeigh's Bluest. 

Mr. LEONARD HE A LEIGH left by will, I600,?twenty shillings per annum, 
to the poor of Pontefract, out o; a house in Neat Market, vested by commission 
of pious uses in 1682, m the dear, and distributed every Good Friday. Richard 
Horncastle, Esq. now distributes the above. 

John Eastwood's Bequest. 

Mr. JOHN EASTWOOD left by will, 1621, forty shillings per annum, to 
the poor of Pontenaci, charged on a close in Skinner Lane, and distributed every 
Shrove Tuesday, by Richard Horncastle, Esq. whose house and garden, in Roper- 
gate, are now made chargeable. 






XXIV ADDENDA. 



The Park, 
IN a manuscript of Mr. Astle's, giving an account of the dutchy of Lancaster, 
it is observed, that the chancellor, attorney-general, receiver and auditor, of the 
said dutchy, enjoyed the privilege, in right of their office, of having their tables 
well supplied with vension, summer and winter, from Pontefract Park. 

Lord Rivers. 
The following ballad, as it is called, composed by Earl Rivers, in Pontefract 
Castle, is too curious to be omitted. It will shew, among other evidences, the state 
of the English language in the time of Richard III. It is contained in a histoy of 
the Kings of England, by John Ross, the Warwick antiquary. He introduces it 
in the following terms, Dominus comes de Rivers Antonius Woodvyle . . . 
in tempore incarcerations apud Pontemfractum edidit unum balet in Angiitis, ul 
mlhi monstratum est, quod subsequitur sub hiis verbis : 
Sumwhat musyng and more ruornyng 

In remembring the unstydfastnes, 
This, world being of such whelyng 

Me contrarieng, what may I gesse r 
I fere dowtles remediles 

Is now to sese my wofull chaunce, 
Lo in this traunce, now in substance, 

Such is my dawnce. 
Wyllyng to dye me thynkys truly 
Bowndyn am I, and that gretly, 
To be content. 
Seyng playnly that fortune doth wry 

All contrary from myn entent. 
My lyfF was lent me to on intent, 
Hytt is ny spent 

Welcome fortune. 
But I ne went, — Thus to be shent 
But sho hit ment — Such is hur won. 
King's School. 
THE Gentlemen of this town, willing to obtain for the master of this school a 
suitable residence, generously exerted themselves to accomplish so benevolent a 
design. The corporation gave the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds, and others 
in the town handsomely contibuttng, a good spacious house and garden, adjoining 
the school, was purchased, and invested in seven trustees ; who posses the power 
of admitting the said school master to enjoy the premises according to their discre- 
tions. The present trustees are J, Seaton, J. Leatham, T. Taylor, G. Perfect, 
R. Seaton, R. Smith, Esqrs. and the Rev. T. Heron. 

Parliamentary history. — The number of burgage freeholds is about 321, of 
which 190 were in the possession of Lord Gallway ; a few belonged to the late- 
Sir R. Winn, Bart. ; 44 to Mr. Pitt, which were sold to Mr. Walsh ; and the 
remainder to other individuals. When members were returned on the right of 
burgage freeholds, it is obvious, that Lord Gallway could return whom he 
pleased ; nor could the other freeholders make any effectual opposition to his 
in le rest. 



FINIS. 



B. BoQtbroyd, Printer, Pontefracft 



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